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Heavy snowfall affected the Harrogate district throughout today (January 5).

The Stray Ferret ran a live blog covering the fun and disruption from 6.30am to 10pm. Here's a look back at what happened.

9.21pm: New amber warning on edge of the district

It was due to rain tonight but there has been more snow. Now the Met Office has issued another amber warning for snow from 9pm tonight to 6am tomorrow — and the area it covers comes right to the edge of our patch. It just about includes Pateley Bridge to the west.

9pm: St Aidan's gives update

Harrogate's St Aidan's Church of England High School has said in a statement: 

"As tomorrow is our staff training day, we have asked staff to work from home to avoid any dangers of traveling in this adverse weather.

"All students and staff are due back into school on Tuesday 7th January. We look forward to seeing everyone then."

8.53pm: Rossett School to provide morning update

Like Harrogate Grammar and Outwood Acadeny in Ripon, Harrogate's Rossett School is going to decide whether to open in the morning.

The school said in a statement:

"We are closely monitoring the weather conditions and will provide an update by 7am regarding whether school will be open tomorrow or if there will be a delayed start. The safety of students and staff is our top priority."

8.44pm: Flight disruptions 'ongoing'

Leeds Bradford Airport has said flight disruptions are ongoing due to deteriorating weather conditions.

In a statement, it added:

"While nine flights have departed so far, our airline partners are working hard to operate as many flights as possible. However, many aircraft and crew remain displaced due to earlier disruptions. For the latest updates on your flight, please contact your airline directly.

As a result of the adverse weather conditions, the long-stay and car rental shuttle bus service is temporarily suspended. Customers are required to walk to the terminal. Please follow the instructions at the bus stops and exercise caution when navigating the car parks.

Customers on delayed arrivals who are parked in an official LBA car park, will not incur additional overstay charges upon exit. There is no need to contact us or amend your booking, please proceed to the exit barrier as usual."

8.03pm: Harrogate walkers lucky to survive 'waist-deep' snow in Lake District

Mountain rescuers have saved a group of men in their 20s from Harrogate who set off at midnight last night to scale England;s highest mountain. 

Read more here.

7.36pm - Harrogate Bus Company suspends all services

After a day of travel disruption both locally and nationally, Harrogate Bus Company has now suspended all services. 

Buses were suspended this morning due to the heavy snow but services were gradually beginning to run throughout the day. However, the company's most recent update says:

"Due to the worsening weather and dangerous road conditions we have had to make the difficult decision to suspend all services for the rest of the day. We do apologise for this, however we need to ensure the safety of all customers and colleagues."

7.24pm: Outwood Academy to decide in morning

Outwood Academy in Ripon is also going to make a decision early tomorrow on whether to open. 

Principal: Rachel Donohue said in a social media post:

"Students are expected to return to school tomorrow. However, we are monitoring the forecast closely and will inform you in the morning if the weather will impact on school opening.

"We will of course endeavour to open as normal but the conditions of travel in and around Ripon will be given careful consideration and may result in a closure/partial closure of the school.

"It would be useful to ensure that your child is familiar with their google login details. In the event that we have to close, learning will take place online and meeting links will be sent out in the morning."

6.56pm: Harrogate Grammar to make 7am decision

Harrogate Grammar School has said it will make a decision by 7am in the morning on whether to open for the new term as planned.

It said on social media: "We will assess the site early tomorrow morning and provide an update by 7am regarding whether school will be open or if we will have a delayed start."

6.38pm: Snow is clearing quickly

A steady rain is turning the slow to slush. There are still no flood alerts for the district — but rain and sleet is forecast until 11am tomorrow so things could change.

6.14pm: Killinghall Tesco to close early

The Tesco Express in Killinghall, which usually closes at 11pm, has put up a sign saying it will close at 8pm tonight due to the weather.

6.01pm: Harrogate GP surgery warns of reduced capacity tomorrow

The Spa Surgery at Mowbray Square in Harrogate has said it may have reduced capacity tomorrow and urged patients with appointments tomorrow to keep their phones handy.

In a social media post, the surgery said:

"We will still be opening as usual tomorrow, but if the current adverse weather continues we may have less capacity than expected, so please keep your phones close in case we try and contact you.

"If you cannot safely make it in we will try to call you at the planned time. You DO NOT NEED to call us to alert us that you are unable to get in. We will assume this is the case if you do not arrive. If we cannot manage your issue over the phone, we will try to rearrange your appointment as soon as possible.

We will make best efforts to reschedule your appointment to later this week."

5.43pm: Two primary schools announce closures

Willow Tree Primary School on Wetherby Road in Harrogate and New Park Primary Academy on Skipton Road in Harrogate will both close tomorrow.

Willow Tree said on social media: "Due to the snow and current forecast Willow Tree will be closed tomorrow, Monday 6th January. We have a number of staff that travel into school by car and whose routes are currently impassable and unsafe. If the weather changes significantly by the morning we will send out further information. Please wrap up warm, enjoy the snow and stay safe!"

New Park said: "Due to the snow and the forecast for more snow overnight, New Park Primary Academy will be closed tomorrow (Monday 6th January). If the weather changes significantly by the morning we will send out further information."

5.28pm: Harrogate College closure confirmed

Harrogate College has confirmed it will be closed tomorrow due to the weather. The college posted on social media:

"College will be closed tomorrow (6 January) due to the snow. Online learning will be taking place, where possible, and we will re-open as normal on Tuesday."

Do let us know of any school closures.

5.16pm: 'Do not travel' warning remains on trains.

Rail operator Northern, which runs the Harrogate line, continues to urge passengers not to travel. It says: "Due to severe weather on the whole Northern network services are disrupted. Rail replacement transport will not be provided." 

5.08pm: Harrogate College closed tomorrow?

There are several unconfirmed social media reports that Harrogate College will be closed tomorrow. The college's social media accounts have not been updated today so this is not confirmed. Does anyone know of any schools affected by the weather?

4.56pm Stunning shot of Valley Gardens

Shortly after we were sent the beautiful photos of Knaresborough, we received this stunning photo of Valley Gardens in Harrogate taken, which was taken by Mike Whorley Photography.

4.27pm: Fun in Knaresborough

Knaresborough hardly needs snow to look sumptuous but it can rarely have looked better than today, and locals made the most of it. Knaresborough resident Jackie Martin sent us these fantastic photos. Do keep your photos coming to contact@thestrayferret.co.uk.

3.55pm - Another weather warning

The Met Office has issued several yellow weather warnings across most of the UK tomorrow (January 6). 

Locally, the warning is for snow and ice, and is expected to be in place from midnight until midday. 

3.31pm - Harrogate to Wetherby bus will begin operating soon

Local bus services have been impacted by the snow all day. The Harrogate Bus Company has been issuing updates throughout the day, with the latest on the 7 service. 

It said:

"The 7 will run from Harrogate to Wetherby only and the first journey will start from Harrogate at 16.10 to Wetherby."

3.19pm - A sledging takeover at the Valley Gardens 

One obvious perk of heavy snowfall is sledging. Here are some photos of families sledging in the Valley Gardens. 

3.08pm - Trains still severely disrupted

According to Northern Rail, services between York, Knaresborough, Harrogate and Leeds are still facing severe disruption. 

Trains between York and Harrogate are unable to run. 

It said the weather has caused disruption to all services, and cancellations and delays are expected until end of the day. 

Northern is still strongly advising people not to travel.

3pm - Some four-legged friends in the snow

Earlier, we asked you to send us your best snowmen photos. Well, we now have a snow-dog photo! It was taken by Sunnyside K9 Grooming.

The second photo - of a real dog - was shared with us by Lizzie Mackay. 

2.47pm - A snowy scene at Newby Hall 

Newby Hall and Gardens shared these wonderful photos of the snowy estate on Facebook. 

We'd love to see your photos of today's snow, including your best snowmen photos! Please send your pictures via email to contact@thestrayferret.co.uk.

2.43pm - Hospital trust receives 'huge response' to appeal for drivers

Earlier, the Stray Ferret shared Harrogate and District NHS Foundation Trusts's (HDFT) appeal for 4x4 drivers to assist with getting staff to work. 

In an update, HDFT said it has had a huge response to its appeal. It said online:

"We have had a huge response from people offering to help with 4x4/snow friendly vehicles. Thank you to everyone who has offered assistance and if we haven’t already done so, will be contacting you asap. For the time being, we no longer need any further offers of help. We really appreciate everyone’s swift response to our request. It is heartening to know that there are so many people out there that are happy to help."

2.31pm - More bus updates

The Harrogate Bus Company has issued another update on local services. It said:

• The X98 is now running but it won't serve Deighton Bar
• The X99 will not be running
• The 3 service to Jennyfields will be running but it won't serve Harewood Road, Crowberry Drive and Saltergate Drive
• The 6 service will be running but it won't serve Montpellier and the Business Park

We published a travel recap at 1.40pm. Scroll down to read that, as well as plenty more snow updates. 

2.20pm - Leeds Bradford Airport runway reopens

Leeds Bradford Airport has reopened its runway. The airport said the runway was completely closed this morning, which you can read more about by scrolling down this blog. 

In its most recent update, the airport said on social media:

"The runway has now reopened, and operations are resuming. Due to a backlog of departing flights, some disruption is expected to continue throughout the day however we expect this situation to improve. For the latest updates on your flight, please contact your airline directly.  

"Security screening will close at 22:45 this evening, so all departing customers must ensure they arrive at the airport before this time."

The airport added delayed arrivals who have parked in an official Leeds Bradford Airport car park will not incur additional overstay charges upon exit. 

"There is no need to contact us or amend your booking, please proceed to the exit barrier as usual", the airport said. 

2.18pm - Ripon restaurant Jaflong closes 

Bangladeshi and Indian restaurant Jaflong, on Ripon's Kirkgate, said it will remain closed today due to the snow. 

2.11pm - Snow falls on Black Sheep Brewery

This photo was shared on Facebook by Black Sheep Brewery in Masham. 

The rural town looks particularly picturesque carpeted in snow. 

1.50pm - 10ft Tim the snowman pictured with his builders

Remember our plea earlier for pictures of your best snowmen? Well, Sarah Scott has sent in this remarkable picture of a 10ft snowman called Tim with his builders.

Send in your best snowman photos via email to contact@thestrayferret.co.uk.

1.40pm - Harrogate district travel recap

A brief recap on the travel situation in the Harrogate district:

• Northern has urged customers not to travel on services due to the weather. Trains on the Harrogate line are currently disrupted with cancellations and delayed services
  
• The runway at Leeds Bradford Airport is currently closed due to snow. The airport said customers are advised to contact their airlines for the most up to date information on flights before travelling to the airport. An update is expected at 2pm.
  
• Some Harrogate Bus Company services are running, The route on the 36 to Leeds and Ripon is being monitored before sending services out. Meanwhile, the 2 buses are running on from The Odeon to Aldi to turn round as Harrogate and Knaresborough bus station are covered in snow.
  

1.30pm - More readers' pictures

More readers are sending in their snow pictures.

This striking photo from David Graves is on Knox Lane in an area due for housing development.

Send your pictures to contact@thestrayferret.co.uk.

1.22pm - Rain and sleet forecast

The Met Office is forecasting rain and sleet over the next couple of hours in Harrogate.

Temperatures are also expected to creep up to 1 degrees, but the "feels like" temperature is set to remain in minus figures. 

1.05pm - Who can make the best snowman?

It's not often that you can go outside and make a snowman. But, today is definitely one of those days.

We've had some readers send in their carefully crafted snow creations — but who has the best one? Send your pictures of your snowmen to contact@thestrayferret.co.uk.

12.50pm - Pateley Bridge leisure centre closed

North Yorkshire Council has confirmed that Active North Yorkshire Pateley Bridge, which is based on Low Wath Road, is closed today due to severe weather.

The council has urged people to check social media for updates on the closure of its leisure centres.

12.40pm - Reader's pictures

Matt Webley has shared these fantastic snow pictures in Harrogate with us on X (formerly Twitter).

You can share yours with us on our social media pages or email contact@thestrayferret.co.uk.

12.15pm - Leeds Bradford Airport runway remains closed

Leeds Bradford Airport's runway remains closed this lunchtime due to severe snowfall.

The airport said customers are advised to contact their airlines for the most up to date information on flights before travelling to the airport.

A statement from LBA added:

12.05pm - Harrogate line trains disrupted due to weather

Northern has warned passengers not to travel today amid severe weather.

According to the company's website, services on the network, which includes the Harrogate line, may be cancelled. It says disruption is expected until the end of the day.

Multiple services since 9am this morning between Leeds and Harrogate have been cancelled. Some services are running late.

Trains between York and Harrogate have also been cancelled or running late.

11.50am Snow stops falling

More than 12 hours after it started, the snow appears to have stopped falling in central Harrogate, with a non-scientifically verified average depth seven inches (18cm). 

We're told it's up to nine inches (23cm) at Greenhow, with drifts obviously deeper. Let us know how deep it is where you are.

11.35am Calling all 4x4 owners!

Harrogate District Hospital has issued an appeal for help getting staff into work. 

It's asking owners of 4x4s and other snow-friendly vehicles, who are willing to lend a hand later this afternoon or this evening, to get in touch on 01423 557396.

11.30am Healthcare update

The Ripon Minor Injury Unit is open today, but there is currently no x-ray service.

11.15am No flood alerts yet

There are currently no flood alerts in place. There was one for the Upper Ouse which included low-lying land in York, but that was removed just before 9am today, as river levels had fallen back below the level of concern.

Once the snow starts to melt, we expect more alerts to be issued, and some could affect our area. We'll keep you posted.

10.45am A&E expected to be busier than usual

Harrogate District Hospital is warning that waiting times in its emergency department are likely to be longer than usual today.

It is advising that, unless there is a life-threatening or severe illness or injury, people should contact NHS 111 first.

10.30am Readers' views

Readers have been sending us pictures of the snowy views where they live. This one comes from Michael Morby in Bilton:

One of the first snowmen of 2025 comes from Sarah Khanye:

And here's the scene on Jennyfield Drive in Harrogate, sent to us by John Edward Solly:

10.10am Extreme caution needed

The roads seem mostly passable, but inessential travel is not recommended and if you must drive, extreme caution is needed, as even some of the main roads still have plenty of snow between the tyre tracks.

This is the scene on the A61 at South Stainley:

This is the latest image from North Yorkshire Council's webcam on Greenhow Hill – quite a change from the one we posted earlier this morning (scroll down to see that one).

And this is the view from the council's webcam on the Harrogate bypass at Knaresborough:

9.50am Recycling centres closed

North Yorkshire Council has announced that household waste recycling centres across the county will be closed today, including those at Ripon, West Harrogate (Penny Pot Lane), and Stonefall, on Wetherby Road in Harrogate.

9.35am More closures announced

Ripon garden centre F Tate & Sons and its restaurant, The Olive Tree, are both closed today, and in a social post are cheekily calling for a national snow day.

Nuffield Health, the gym on Hornbeam Park in Harrogate, is also closed for the day.

9.25am Roads quieter than unsual

Many drivers seem to be heeding advice to stay at home this morning. This is the unusually quiet scene on the main A61 road through Killinghall.

8.35am Runways closed

Leeds Bradford Airport (LBA) has announced its runway is completely closed, but says teams are working to clear the snow and minimise the impact on flight schedules.

A spokesperson has told the Stray Ferret that the runway will probably not be open before 12 noon, when the situation will be reassessed.

In the meantime, no arrivals are reported to have been rerouted to other airports, as LBA-bound flights are simply not taking off. According to one Facebook poster, passengers in Alicante have been on the tarmac, waiting in vain to board.

The runways at Manchester Airport and Liverpool John Lennon Airport are also currently closed.

Travellers are advised to contact their airline for the most up-to-date information about their flight.

8am Road blocked in Huby

A large tree branch has come down on the A658 through Huby. People are working to remove it, but one side of the road is currently blocked.

7.30am No buses running

The Harrogate Bus Company has announced that all services are currently suspended.

National Rail is reporting disruptions to services on its Leeds-Halifax line, but no problems in our area as yet.

7.20am Destinations respond to the weather

If you're planning to get out today, some planning is advisable.

North Yorkshire Police is recommending that drivers check local traffic information before they set off, drive according to the conditions, and leave extra travel time.

Various destinations have put out updates in readiness for the snowy weather. The National Trust has given notice that Fountains Abbey and Studley Royal will be opening late today, at 11.30am, and advises visitors to check its website before they travel as this may be subject to change.

RHS Harlow Carr has announced that its gardens and garden centre will be closed all day today.

Mother Shipton's Cave has also said it will be closed today due to the weather.

Harrogate Theatre, on the other hand, says it has put plans in place to ensure that today's performances of Beauty and the Beast can go ahead, but advises theatregoers allow extra time to get there. 

6.45am Flights disrupted

Leeds Bradford Airport is reporting some disruption to flights. 

The shuttle bus for the long-stay car-park and car rental is postponed until at least 10am, and customers are currently having to walk to the terminal.

6.30am Webcams show blizzard conditions

We haven't received any reports yet of travel disruption, but we're standing by.

North Yorkshire's weather webcams show why we can expect problems. This is the scene on the Harrogate bypass just a few minutes ago:

And this is how it looked at the top of Greenhow Hill, above Pateley Bridge: