Snow causing travel problems in parts of North Yorkshire with motorway slip road closed

Travel in the north of the county is being made more challenging due to snow today (Saturday).

The slip road at Scotch Corner on the A1M has been closed by snow.

National Highways Yorkshire said on Twitter at 8.39am: “The northbound exit slip road on the A1M at J53 North Yorkshire Scotch Corner is currently closed due to snow in the area.

“A gritter and plough is en-route to clear. Thanks for your patience.”

A yellow weather warning remains in place for ice till noon today in York and North Yorkshire. And another yellow weather warning, for snow and ice, is in force for our area from 7am till 9pm tomorrow (Sunday, 18 December), although any snow is set to turn to rain later.

Forecasters say temperatures could temporarily rise on Sunday but this will bring strong winds leading to snow, blizzards and ice and freezing rain, creating hazardous conditions on the roads.

Met Office deputy chief forecaster Helen Caughey said: “The northerly airflow and cold conditions which have dominated our weather patterns over the last 10 days will start to lose ground to a push of mild air from the south-west on Sunday.

“As the mild air meets the cold air currently in situ over the UK there will be a transient spell of snow, potentially to low levels, especially in the north.

“Add to this the risk of rain falling on to frozen surfaces, and strong winds over upland areas of northern Britain, bringing blizzard conditions, and this could be a day to avoid travelling in some areas, although the snow should turn to rain later.

“There is also a brief risk of a period of freezing rain most likely to impact areas from the Pennines northwards, which could result in some power interruptions.”