North Yorkshire has been hit by a fierce Arctic blast, leaving roads coated in heavy snow and temperatures plunging to –2°C.
Drivers on key routes, including the A171 near Whitby, found themselves stuck in long queues as the snow made travel virtually impossible.
AA Traffic News reports confirmed that traffic came to a near standstill, while police urged motorists to avoid the area entirely.
Lorries and Cars Struggle Against White-Out Conditions
Footage shared online shows vehicles inching through thick snow, with at least one lorry stuck on the A169 near Fylingdales.
Officers diverted traffic through Scarborough to ease congestion, but the disruption highlights the dangers of driving in extreme winter weather.
Residents are being warned to prepare for potentially hazardous journeys as conditions are expected to worsen.
Amber Alert Issued Across the Moors
The Met Office has issued an amber weather alert for parts of the North York Moors and Yorkshire Wolds, effective from 3am to 9pm tomorrow.
Forecasters predict up to 25cm (10in) of snow in some areas, raising serious concerns for road safety.
Snow Spreads Across the UK
Wintery showers aren’t limited to Yorkshire.
Overnight, up to 7cm (2.7in) of snow settled in parts of the UK, triggering yellow weather warnings across East Anglia, the South West, Wales, North East England, northern Scotland, and Northern Ireland.
The Met Office has now extended the warning northwards to cover parts of Lincolnshire, with coastal regions expected to see more snow showers in the coming days.
Motorists Share Their Struggles Online
Local social media has been flooded with updates from stranded drivers.
One post on the North Yorkshire Weather Updates Facebook page reported: “17.00 thankfully a lot of vehicles have managed to leave the A171 Birk Brow area between Guisborough to Whitby.”
Despite some progress, authorities caution that conditions remain treacherous and anyone unsure about traveling should stay put.
Police Advise Drivers to Stay Safe
North Yorkshire Police issued a clear warning: “Please avoid the A171 near Whitby and across the moors towards Guisborough – lots of vehicles are getting stuck due to the weather conditions.
The A174 out of Whitby may be passable at this time.
If in any doubt, please don’t travel if you don’t need to. Stay safe out there.”
London Activates Severe Weather Emergency Protocol
The cold snap isn’t just affecting the north.
London Mayor Sir Sadiq Khan has triggered the city’s Severe Weather Emergency Protocol (SWEP), which ensures extra accommodation is available for homeless people at risk in freezing conditions.
Last winter, SWEP was in operation for 22 nights, housing more than 2,000 people across London boroughs.
Schools Close Across Scotland
Scotland is also feeling the winter grip. Dozens of schools and nurseries have shut due to the snow, including 20 in Highland Council, 19 in Aberdeenshire, and three in Moray.
The Met Office warns that more wintry showers are expected along Scotland’s east and west coasts on Wednesday night.
Snowfall Recorded Across the UK
Snowfall has been recorded in multiple areas, including London, Hertfordshire, Berkshire, Surrey, Essex, Shropshire, and Northumberland.
Notable measurements include 7cm in Lake Vyrnwy, Wales; 5cm in Lerwick, Shetland; 7cm in Altnaharra, Scottish Highlands; and smaller amounts in Aviemore, Dyce, and Redesdale Camp.
Public Urged to Prepare
Authorities continue to stress caution as the Arctic blast sweeps across the UK.
Motorists are urged to avoid unnecessary travel, check forecasts regularly, and stay aware of local road closures. Residents in vulnerable groups, particularly those without shelter, are encouraged to seek assistance and make use of emergency provisions.
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