North Yorkshire drivers warned of ice after heavy snowfall

Conditions on many roads in North Yorkshire have been poor due to heavy snowfall

Motorists in North Yorkshire are being warned to expect icy conditions on many of the county's minor roads after heavy snowfall.

About five inches (13 cm) of snow fell on parts of North Yorkshire during the day, causing traffic gridlock during the evening rush hour in Scarborough.

While gritting was being carried out more snow was expected overnight, said North Yorkshire County Council.

Drivers should take extra care as ice was also likely, the council said.

Amber warning

One driver caught in the poor conditions in Scarborough, who only gave her name as Fiona, told BBC Radio York she had driven just 500m in the town centre in one hour.

"We had a lot of snow this afternoon from about 12pm onwards with about four inches of snow falling," she said.

"The main roads are very icy and it looks like a lot of people tried to head home early."

Mike Roberts, head of highways operations at North Yorkshire County Council, said road conditions had been difficult across the county.

"We have been salting and ploughing them where necessary, but inevitably while the snow does keep falling it does accumulate and it can turn to slush and freeze."

A Met Office amber warning to "be prepared" for snow remains in place for the Yorkshire and Humber region until 23:55 GMT.

Widespread ice was likely to cause problems on Tuesday morning, particularly on minor roads and untreated surfaces, said North Yorkshire County Council.