Storm Arwen: Yorkshire and Lincolnshire weather warnings in place

The amber warning affects most of the North Yorkshire coast

People in North Yorkshire are being warned to only travel "if absolutely necessary" as gales and snow are forecast to hit parts of the region.

Eastern areas of the county are covered by an amber warning associated with Storm Arwen which is due to affect large swathes of the UK.

The warning came into force from 15:00 GMT on Friday until 09:00 on Saturday.

The Met Office has warned of potential travel disruption and power cuts with winds hitting up to 75mph.

Meteorologist Daniel Rudman said Storm Arwen would hit hardest in the north east, where a rare red warning has been issued.

"The most significant impacts from Storm Arwen will be the high winds that much of the UK will see on Friday and into Saturday, with gusts possible in excess of 80mph in exposed coastal areas, especially in the north east."

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Mr Rudman said the storm could also bring rain, sleet and snow with the potential for between four inches (10cm) and six inches (15cm) of snow over higher ground.

This has resulted in a yellow warning covering covers parts of North and West Yorkshire from 17:00 GMT until 10:00 on Saturday.

A yellow warning of wind covering most of Yorkshire and Lincolnshire will be in force on Saturday until 18:00 GMT, according to the Met Office.

Network Rail and train operators are warning passengers of severe disruption to rail services over the weekend, with no trains able to enter or exit Scotland via the East Coast Main Line,

The closure will remain in place until at least midnight on Friday, the rail operator added.

Snow and wind warnings continue into Saturday

North Yorkshire County Council advised people "to only travel if absolutely necessary as gale force winds and snow are forecast for parts of North Yorkshire".

The authority added: "In coastal areas, people are advised to avoid seafronts in case of overtopping by waves.

"Everyone should also secure garden furniture and other loose items that might be susceptible to very strong winds."

The RNLI said people should "exercise extreme caution" in coastal areas "if visiting the shoreline, especially along exposed cliffs, seafronts and piers".

A number of planned events have been cancelled in North Yorkshire due to concerns about the high winds.

The Sparkle Christmas event at Scarborough Open Air Theatre, which was due to start on Friday, has been called off.

Councillor Jim Grieve said: "We've not taken this decision lightly and we've made it in full consultation with the many fantastic businesses that attend and support our event.

"The safety of everyone involved and their livelihoods must come first."

Attractions, including the National Trust's Fountains Abbey, near Ripon, have also indicated they will close on Saturday.

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