Buses suspended and roads blocked as Storm Bert hits Harrogate district

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The Harrogate district was hit with snow and icy temperatures this morning. Storm Bert caused disruption in the area with buses suspended, attractions closed and flights delayed. 

But the rain started to take over by late morning.  

We brought readers live updates. You can catch up on what happened below. 

1pm: Buses running again

The Harrogate Bus Company said most of its services are running again after being suspended this morning due to the snow. It said on X:

"Great news. Most of our services are operating with the exception of the Dalesbus 59 which is suspended due to undrivable roads on this route."

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11.30am: Rain sets in but buses still suspended

The rain appears to be taking over from the heavy snowfall now. However, buses are still suspended across the Harrogate district. 

10.28am: Runway opens at Leeds Bradford Airport

Leeds Bradford Airport said the runway is now completely open after disruption this morning. It said the terminal is operating as normal. Flights were delayed after the heavy snowfall. 

10.23am: Another update on RHS Harlow Carr

RHS Harlow Carr has been closed all morning. It hoped to open at 11am, then at midday, but the gardens will be closed all day. However, the garden centre will open. The latest update said:

"Unfortunately due to heavy snowfall the gardens will be closed during the day. The Garden Centre will open at noon. RHS Glow will go ahead as planned. We apologise for any inconvenience caused. Please check social media for updates."

9.59am: Snow causes chaos in south Harrogate areas

We have some updates on roads towards the south of Harrogate and Harewood area. They say:

"Pannal village blocked by stranded cars, Leeds Road only just passable with care. Cars stuck on Almscliffe Bank."

"Accident at the A658 roundabout. Police there but traffic moving ok."

Another message said roads around Harewood are "ok but lots of flooding"

9.55am: Parts of Ripon still carpeted 

Clotherholme Road in Ripon looks to be turning into slush, but the city has certainly had more than a dusting of snow. 

We also have a lovely photo of snow falling at Ripon Grammar School.

9.42am: Drivers warn A61 between Ripon and Harrogate is 'treacherous'

A social media post on Facebook page Blow Your Horn Ripon warned drivers to avoid the A61 between Ripon and Harrogate. It said:

"Warning! A61 is treacherous! It has just taken me an hour to drive from. Ripon to Harrogate (4x4)! Where are the gritters? South Stainley up the hill is really bad, Killinghall not much better, even Harrogate's Skipton Road is bad. Here's hoping the midday retur. Trip will be better!"

9.39am: Ripon minor injury unit short-staffed due to snow

Ripon's minor injury unit is short-staffed due to Storm Bert. It said online:

"Ripon MIU is currently short of staff due to snow/travel issues. Be safe out there everyone."

9.35am: Gritter stuck on Harrogate road

A gritter got stuck at the bottom of Valley Drive in Harrogate. Photo: Sarah Bowes. 

9.25am: Starbeck Post Office remains open

Starbeck Post Office is open today. Starbeck man Andrew Hart also posted this photo of the High Street. 

9.19: Leeds Bradford expects runway to open soon

Leeds Bradford Airport this morning said teams were working to keep the runway and taxiways clear, but delays were expected. The terminal is open as normal. In an update, the airport said:

"The runway is now expected to reopen at 1000. The terminal is continuing to operate as normal."

9.15am: RHS Harlow Carr extends closure

RHS Harlow Carr is currently closed. It hoped to reopen by 11am, but in a recent update it said the site would be closed until midday.

In a social media post, RHS Harlow Carr also said the Glow event will still go ahead. 

9.06am: A furry friend enjoying the snow

Victoria Murphy shared a photo of her dog enjoying the snow on the Stray early this morning. 

You can send us your snow photos by emailing contact@thestrayferret.co.uk. 

9.01am: Trains running

According to Northern Rail, trains around the Harrogate district appear to be running with only minor delays. 

On the service update, Northern said the route between York, Knaresborough, Harrogate and Leeds is a "good service". 

8.51: Café closure and blocked roads in Knaresborough

Cafe Di Lucca in Knaresborough said it will be closed today.

On social media, a post was shared saying Briggate is blocked due to the snow. 

Residents are also advising people to avoid Bond End. 

8.46am: Police say only travel if essential

North Yorkshire Police this morning said it has already dealt with eight crashes due to the weather. The force did not disclose where these crashes happened across the county, but advised people to only travel if it is essential. 

It said:

"It's not looking so good on our roads, where we've already dealt with eight crashes due to the snow.

"Please do not attempt a journey unless it's essential."

8.42am: Brimham Rocks closed

Brimham Rocks is also closed today. It said online:

"Brimham Rocks is closed today due to the freezing temperatures and heavy snowfall. Please don't travel here today as the surrounding roads and paths are unsafe. Take care."

Fountains Abbey is also closed, which you can find more information on further down this blog. 

8.37am: Artic HGV stuck on A59 at Kex Gill

At 7am, North Yorkshire Weather Updates said on social media an artic HGV was blocking the A59 at Kex Gill. It said:

"SNOW HGV artic blocking Kex gill A59. Serious note if your in an HGV artic wanting to travel B6255, A65, A69 just park up somewhere off the road or stay at home all main routes covered. Leave it untill the snow stops and roads are cleared."

It is not clear if the HGV has moved, but a subsequent post at 7.30am said: "Kex Gill is closed". 

8.33: Cars struggling to drive on the A61 at South Stainley

North Yorkshire Weather Updates shared photos of cars struggling to drive on the A61 at South Stainley at 8am. It said some are "failing" to drive on an inclined section of the road towards Harrogate. 

8.29am: Flights delayed at Leeds Bradford Airport

Leeds Bradford Airport said teams were working to keep the runway and taxiways clear but delays are expected. It said online:

"Our teams are working hard to keep our runway and taxiways clear from the overnight and ongoing snowfall. The airport is open as normal but some delays are expected."

8.16am: Fountains Abbey closed

Fountains Abbey has announced it will close for the day. It posted on social media:

Following the heavy snow and freezing temperatures, Fountains Abbey will be closed today (Saturday 23 November) for the safety of visitors and staff. Once the snow clears we'll be working hard to grit the paths and make sure the site is safe to open tomorrow.

7.58am: Buses suspended

The Harrogate Bus Company has suspended buses due to this morning's snow.

The district woke to a blanket of snow, although it is expected to turn to rain soon.

It has already led to some disruption with the Harrogate Bus Company posting on social media at about 7.40am that all services were suspended.

Fountains Abbey Parkrun has also been cancelled and RHS Garden Harlow Carr has said it will be closed until 11am.

We will update this article as the situation develops.