Harrogate district drivers urged to take care as forecast for snow, sleet and ice continues

The major snow disruption you need to know about in Harrogate, Ripon and Pateley Bridge

North Yorkshire County Council (NYCC) said its gritters treated priority routes before snow began to fall in all affected parts of the county last night, Sunday, in the early hours of this morning and again immediately after it began snowing.

Salting and ploughing also continued throughout the snow event with additional support from our army of farming contractors.

Nigel Smith, Head of Highways Operations, said: “We use the latest weather forecasting technology in planning our gritting operations, so were alert to the snowfall that was predicted to come last night and this morning.

"Our gritters were on the roads treating priority routes yesterday (Sunday) evening. After snow began to fall, our gritters were back out immediately to carry out further treatments, including ploughing where appropriate. We rely on traffic driving over a gritted road to grind the salt and activate it. Salt alone does not melt snow and ice.

“With the recent heavy rain and further showers to come, plus snow-melt, there is the potential for standing water and run-off on roads.

Met Office issues further weather warnings as Harrogate faces snow and ice

“Temperatures are forecast to fall below zero in many areas of the county on most days this coming week, so there is a risk of frost, ice and further wintry showers. Therefore, we urge drivers to take extra care.”

Gritters will be treating priority routes across North Yorkshire this evening, Monday, and again tomorrow morning in line with NYCC policy.

Coun Don Mackenzie, Executive Member for Access, said: “Dealing with severe winter weather like this on our extensive road network is a top priority for us. It matters to everyone who lives and works in the county. Our first priority is the major routes that connect or pass through the county’s towns. We clear these before moving on to our second level of priority routes, those that give access to smaller communities.

“While we do all we can to help traffic to keep moving during winter weather, it is important for drivers to drive with caution.”

Here are 15 pictures showing how heavy snow has affected the Harrogate district

Latest details of road closures will be posted on the county council website, https://www.northyorks.gov.uk/roadworks-road-closures-and-diversions