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14
Jan 2021
Big freeze forecast tonight as temperatures plunge to minus four
Temperatures are forecast to plunge to minus 4 degrees centigrade overnight in the Harrogate district, leaving many roads and pavements treacherous. Another Met Office warning for snow and ice has been issued for Saturday.
Spofforth in the snow sent on Facebook by Rory Ffoulkes.
Temperatures are forecast to fall to minus 4 degrees centigrade tonight in the Harrogate district, leaving many minor roads and pavements treacherous tomorrow.
Snow is expected to turn to sleet this evening before drying out as temperatures plunge.
They are not forecast to rise above freezing at all tomorrow so ice is likely to persist even though gritters and snow ploughs have been out today.
A Met Office yellow warning for ice is in place until 10am tomorrow.
That might not be the end of the cold snap: a further yellow warning for snow and ice has been issued for Saturday, from 3am until 9pm.
Train operator Northern tonight warned of ongoing disruption affecting services between Harrogate and Leeds that will continue tomorrow.
No further services are running tonight and there will just be one per hour tomorrow morning.
Here's how today's weather affected the district.
7.05pm - Oatlands Infants School to stay closed tomorrow
Zoe Anderson, the headteacher, has said the school will remain closed tomorrow due to the weather making travel unsafe.
4.50pm - Yorkshire Ambulance Service urge public to only call in a "serious or life-threatening emergency"
Yorkshire Ambulance Service has asked the public to only call in the event of a serious or life-threatening emergency as crews tackle snowy conditions.
Mark Millins, strategic commander at the trust, said:
"Due to the very snowy conditions across West, South and North Yorkshire, driving conditions are very difficult and many roads are gridlocked so this is having a severe impact on our operations. We are implementing a number of actions in order to protect our core services for patients and respond to the ongoing demand, including increasing our 4x4 capacity.
“We are asking members of the public to only call us in a serious or life-threatening emergency to help us focus our efforts on our most poorly patients.
He added:
“Our dedicated staff are working extremely hard to reach patients as quickly and safely as possible but, understandably, the hazardous driving conditions and blocked roads mean that it is taking us longer than normal in the worst-hit areas.
“If someone is seriously ill or injured and their life is at risk, they should call 999 immediately. For anyone with less serious illnesses and injuries, our NHS 111 service is available online at 111.nhs.uk or by calling 111.
“Please take extra care when out driving or walking and, where possible, avoid travelling at all in snowy or icy conditions. If you do have to go out, ensure that you wear appropriate footwear and warm clothing. Also, please stay in touch with elderly and vulnerable relatives and neighbours to ensure they are safe and well."
4.30pm - Snow to continue into the evening
The Met Office has forecast snow for the Harrogate district into this evening until 9pm.
A yellow warning for ice remains in place for tonight into tomorrow morning. Temperatures in the district are expected to plummet to -4 degrees overnight.
The Met Office said rain, sleet and snow dying out will leave "a risk of icy surfaces and difficult travel conditions" tomorrow morning.
4.20pm - Young farmer helps stranded lorries near Pannal
A young farmer has come to the aid of stranded lorries to help them up the A658 near Pannal. Photographer Giles Rocholl shot this video:
3.10pm - Harrogate 36 bus back running
Harrogate Bus Company has tweeted that the 36 bus running to Leeds from Harrogate, as well as between Harrogate and Ripon, is back up and running.
https://twitter.com/harrogatebus/status/1349734985637367809?s=20
2.45pm - Home carers won't let clients down
Care workers across the Harrogate district have been doing their utmost to keep to schedule today, despite the challenging conditions.
Staff at St Margaret's Home Care are among those who have fought through the snow to ensure their clients got the help they needed.
One even had to abandon her car in Pannal, complete her round on foot and then walk home to Jennyfields.
Manager Vicky Clark sent us some photos and said:
"A day in the life of a carer! Our amazing care workers have done their best to get to our clients today, unfortunately getting stuck in the snow and having to abandon their cars and walk. Please could you say a massive well done to all care workers out there."
2.10pm - Northern advises rail passengers not to travel
Northern has advised people not to try to use the rail line between Harrogate and Leeds.
Heavy snowfall and a fallen tree have led services to be cancelled on the route this afternoon. They are unlikely to be reinstated until at least 4pm. A spokesperson for Northern said:
“The adverse weather is having a significant impact on our ability to operate services, particularly in Yorkshire where heavy snow continues to fall.
“We are working closely with colleagues at Network Rail to get our services up and running as soon as possible. In the meantime, we’re asking customers not to travel on the specified routes until further notice."
2.07pm - Jennyfield bus service suspended
The number 3 bus service in the Jennyfield area of Harrogate has been suspended because of the continuing snowfall.
https://twitter.com/harrogatebus/status/1349712229730557954
Meanwhile, staff members from The Harrogate Bus Company are hard at work clearing paths around the town centre bus station. IN last week's heavy snow, they were out on the roads helping to spread grit and keep traffic moving.
https://twitter.com/harrogatebus/status/1349717545008459777
2pm - Rail line still blocked
The fallen tree on the railway line between Leeds and Harrogate is expected to continue causing disruption until at least 4pm.
Train operator Northern reports one of its trains hit an object on the line between Headingley and Horsforth. Services are currently unable to run, with Network Rail en route to remove the tree.
https://twitter.com/northernassist/status/1349705276073635841?s=20
1.50pm - Essential food deliveries still getting through
Among those battling through the weather are people delivering essential food to vulnerable people across the district.
Sue Cawthray, of Harrogate Neighbours Housing Association, posted a photo take from a car as key workers continue to do their best for clients.
The Food Angels meals on wheels service has become a Snow Angels delivery for one day only, ensuring nobody who relies on it will go without the vital service.
1.37pm - Gritters on the roads
Road conditions are still poor around the district, by North Yorkshire County Council gritters continue to operate.
Harrogate and Pannal Ash Residents' Association (HAPARA) spotted one making its way up Otley Road in Harrogate this afternoon.
https://twitter.com/HaparaHgt/status/1349708385558667264?s=20
1.30pm - Bus stranded near Spofforth
A number 7 bus has got stuck in the snow as it tried to reach Harrogate from Wetherby.
The bus has become stranded as it attempted to come up the hill into Spofforth on the A661.
The Harrogate Bus Company has kept many of its services running today. The 24 to Pateley Bridge has been suspended, as has the 8 to Calcutt and Wetherby, and the Flyer A2 to Leeds-Bradford Airport.
The number 1 from Harrogate to Knaresborough is running, but missing out stops between Starbeck and Knaresborough as well as the Knaresborough estates. The 2A is missing out stops on Dene Park, while the 2B is missing stops between The Knox and Bar Chapel, using Crab Lane and Bilton Lane instead.
1.22pm - Businesses battle through snow
Local business owners across the district have been fighting on despite the weather and poor road conditions.
Regal Fruits on Kings Road reminded its customers and other locals that they can still get essentials from nearby, even in heavy snow.
https://twitter.com/regalfruiterers/status/1349662736918188032?s=20
However, for Paradise Foods at Daleside Nurseries in Killinghall, the snow defeated their attempts to get to the food wagon and open up.
The team is hoping to return to normal service from tomorrow, when it is open from 10am to 2pm.
1.10pm - Bin collections suspended
Harrogate Borough Council has suspended its waste and recycling collections across the Harrogate district as snow continues to fall.
The authority says bin crews will try to collect household waste over the coming days, but recycling collections will be completed on the next scheduled date.
Collections were already a day behind after heavy snow last week interrupted the schedule. HBC said crews will be working on Friday and Saturday as they try to catch up.
https://twitter.com/Harrogatebc/status/1349701163826999296?s=20
1.03pm - Fallen tree blocks railway line
The rail line between Harrogate and Leeds has been blocked by a fallen tree, causing disruption to services.
National Rail reports delays and cancellations are expected until 2pm.
https://twitter.com/nationalrailenq/status/1349699926410866690?s=20
12.55pm - Police urge people not to travel unless necessary
North Yorkshire Police has issued a warning people not to travel unless they really need to.
Having dealt with more than 20 crashes already today, the force's Roads Policing Group is asking people to stay at home and avoid unnecessary travel.
While the Harrogate district is contending with continuing snowfall, flooding is affecting roads elsewhere around the county.
12.15pm - Updated list of school closures
- All Saints C of E Primary School, Kirkby Overblow
- Beckwithshaw Primary School
- Coppice Valley Primary School, Harrogate
- Dacre Braithwaite C of E Primary School, Summerbridge
- Darley Community Primary School, Harrogate
- Forest Moor School, Darley
- Fountains C of E Primary School, Ripon
- Fountains Earth Lofthouse C of E Primary School, Harrogate
- Goldsborough C of E Primary School, Knaresborough
- Grewelthorpe C of E Primary School, Ripon
- Hampsthwaite C of E Primary School, Harrogate
- Kettlesing Felliscliffe Community Primary School, Harrogate
- Killinghall C of E Primary School
- Kirkby Malzeard C of E Primary School
- Nidderdale High School
- North Rigton C of E Primary School
- Oatlands Infant School, Harrogate
- Oatlands Junior School, Harrogate
- Pannal Primary School
- Richard Taylor C of E Primary School, Harrogate
- Ripley Endowed Primary School, Harrogate
- Roecliffe C of E Primary School, Boroughbridge
- Rossett Acre Primary School, Harrogate
- Rossett School, Harrogate
- Saltergate Infant School, Harrogate
- Saltergate Junior School, Harrogate
- Springwater School, Starbeck
- Staveley Community Primary School, Knaresborough
- St Joseph's Catholic Primary School, Harrogate
- St Mary's Catholic Primary School, Knaresborough
- St Nicholas C of E Primary School, West Tanfield
- Summerbridge Community Primary School
- The Forest School, Knaresborough
- Western Primary School, Harrogate
- Willow Tree Community Primary School, Harrogate
11.55am - Disruption to household waste services
Harrogate Borough Council says its bin collection services are continuing despite the weather, but it may not be able to reach all the homes on today's routes.
The council was already working to catch up on services missed during last Friday's heavy snowfall.
Meanwhile, all three household waste recycling centres in Harrogate have been closed by North Yorkshire County Council because of the snow.
The county council's website shows gritters were out on priority one routes over night, after a weather warning was issued by the Met Office.
https://twitter.com/northyorkscc/status/1349658461760585728?s=20
11.30am - disruption on bus routes to Leeds and Pateley Bridge
The Harrogate Bus Company has suspended its 36 service beyond Pannal to Leeds because of the condition of the A61.
It continues to operate between Ripon and Harrogate, and on to Pannal.
The 24 service between Harrogate and Pateley Bridge has been suspended, but the number 6 service to Pannal Ash has been reinstated after being stopped earlier in the morning.
https://twitter.com/harrogatebus/status/1349674070523183104?s=20
10.35am - 'Treacherous road conditions' in Harrogate
North Yorkshire Police control room has shared a video of Harrogate onto its twitter this morning warning people to stay off the road unless it's essential.
https://twitter.com/NYPControlRoom/status/1349664398261022720
10.22am - Snow prevents buses getting to Knaresborough
The Harrogate Bus Company has said it is unable to reach any of its stop to or around Knaresborough this morning.
The number 1 service is currently still running between Harrogate and Starbeck. Make sure to keep an eye on their twitter for further updates.
https://twitter.com/harrogatebus/status/1349662998596612096
10.14am - School closures
Schools across the Harrogate district are closing to all, including the children of key workers as a result of the snow.
- All Saints C of E Primary School, Kirkby Overblow
- Beckwithshaw Primary School
- Coppice Valley Primary School, Harrogate
- Dacre Braithwaite C of E Primary School, Summerbridge
- Darley Community Primary School, Harrogate
- Forest Moor School, Darley
- Fountains C of E Primary School, Ripon
- Fountains Earth Lofthouse C of E Primary School, Harrogate
- Goldsborough C of E Primary School, Knaresborough
- Grewelthorpe C of E Primary School, Ripon
- Hampsthwaite C of E Primary School, Harrogate
- Kettlesing Felliscliffe Community Primary School, Harrogate
- Killinghall C of E Primary School
- Kirkby Malzeard C of E Primary School
- Nidderdale High School
- North Rigton C of E Primary School
- Oatlands Infant School, Harrogate
- Oatlands Junior School, Harrogate
- Pannal Primary School
- Richard Taylor C of E Primary School, Harrogate
- Ripley Endowed Primary School, Harrogate
- Roecliffe C of E Primary School, Boroughbridge
- Rossett Acre Primary School, Harrogate
- Rossett School, Harrogate
- Saltergate Infant School, Harrogate
- Saltergate Junior School, Harrogate
- Springwater School, Starbeck
- Staveley Community Primary School, Knaresborough
- St Joseph's Catholic Primary School, Harrogate
- St Mary's Catholic Primary School, Knaresborough
- St Nicholas C of E Primary School, West Tanfield
- Summerbridge Community Primary School
- The Forest School, Knaresborough
- Western Primary School, Harrogate
- Willow Tree Community Primary School, Harrogate
10.07am - Recycling collection continues in some areas
Harrogate Borough Council has replied to a tweet from a local resident to say that recycling collection is continuing today in most areas. The council has said some areas that are difficult to get to may not be reached today.
Residents have been asked to leave their recycling outside for the time-being.
10.01am - Cars stuck in snow at Kex Gill
Multiple vehicles are reportedly stuck in the snow and ice near Kex Gill this morning.
The North Yorkshire Police Traffic Bureau has tweeted to say the A59 at Bolton Abbey is closed.
https://twitter.com/NYTrafficBureau/status/1349648881546625025
09.46am - Harrogate and Ripon recycling centres closed
North Yorkshire County Council has made the decision to close recycling centres in Harrogate and Ripon.
https://twitter.com/northyorkscc/status/1349643918133121024
09.18am - Some Harrogate bus services suspended
The Harrogate Bus Company has tweeted about further disruption due to the snow. It has said the 36 service is still running between Harrogate and Pannal but it cannot run through Harewood.
The 24 service from Harrogate to Pateley Bridge and number 6 between Harrogate and Pannal Ash have been suspended.
https://twitter.com/harrogatebus/status/1349644069069348866
09.10am - Kettlesing Primary School to close
Kettlesing Felliscliffe Community Primary School has contacted the Stray Ferret to confirm it has made the decision to close the school.
It had previously hoped to open for pupils at 10am.
09.03am - Ripon market remains open
Ripon market is still open today despite the snow. The essential stalls open today include two fruit and vegetable stalls and a fishmongers.
08.44am - Beckwithshaw Primary School to close
Beckwithshaw Primary School has now said it will close due to the snow.
It had previously planned to open at 10am.
08.25am - Ripley Primary School to close
Ripley Endowed Primary School has made the decision to close the school today due to the weather.
It had previously planned to open the school at 10am.
08.15am - Buses between Leeds airport and Harrogate disrupted
The A2 service from Bradford to Harrogate bus station, going via the airport, has been disrupted due to the snow.
Flyer Buses has reported, on its twitter, that it is unable to get into Harrogate due to a block in the road at Pool Bank.
Further updates can be found on its website.
https://twitter.com/FlyerBuses/status/1349626771017244672
08.05am - Only travel if essential says North Yorkshire County Council
The county council has reminded local residents of the yellow weather warning in place on twitter this morning. It has asked people to only travel if essential.
The gritters were out overnight in an effort to limit disruption.
https://twitter.com/northyorkscc/status/1349619818790604801
07.30am - Some schools remain open
In a twitter post, Harrogate High School has said it will remain open today.
It has advised its pupils who get lifts to school to work from home if possible and avoid the roads.
https://twitter.com/HarrogateHigh/status/1349618883112677376
07.10am - Harrogate Bus Company says buses are still running
In a twitter post, Harrogate Bus Company has left commuters know their services are still running despite the snow.
It said those using them for essential services should keep an eye on the Transdev app for any updates.
https://twitter.com/harrogatebus/status/1349615061002805248
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