Heavy snowfall hits Harrogate district this afternoon

Heavy snowfall has covered the Harrogate district this afternoon.

Up to 4cm of snow could eventually fall although higher areas are likely to be worst affected.

It is one of three Met Office yellow weather warnings in place over the next three days.

Today’s snow warning lasts until 3pm. The Met Office says:

“Some roads and railways likely to be affected with longer journey times by road, bus and train services.”

Read more:

A warning for rain begins at midnight and lasts until 6pm tomorrow.

“Flooding of a few homes and businesses is likely/ Spray and flooding on roads probably making journey times longer.”

There is also a warning in place for wind from noon tomorrow until 3pm on Monday.

 

Storm Eunice eases after uprooting trees in Harrogate district

A yellow weather warning is in force across the Harrogate district this afternoon as Storm Eunice brings rain and winds of up to 60mph.

A Met Office yellow weather warning means residents can expect more disruption to roads and public transport and there’s a chance of damage to trees and buildings, such as tiles blown from roofs.

Strong winds are forecast until 9pm today when it is set to subside.

The Met Office has also issued a yellow warning for ice from 6pm this evening until 9am tomorrow.

A yellow warning for rain has been issued for Sunday between midnight and 6pm.

Follow all the latest updates below.

6.30pm: Harrogate town centre traffic lights not working

There are reports the traffic lights at the junction of Station Parade and Victoria Road in Harrogate are not working. It’s not known if it is related to the storm but it is making it difficult to pull out of Victoria Road at the moment.

5.45pm: Trains to Leeds cancelled.

Northern is running a reduced service to-and-from Leeds this evening with several trains cancelled due to the weather.

Trains will be leaving Harrogate Station every hour rather than twice an hour until 20.18. After that, only one more train is scheduled to leave at 23.18.

Visit National Rail for the latest updates.

5.40pm: Father and daughter see tree fall into cabman’s shelter

A father and daughter have told of the moment they watched a tree come crashing down on a cabman’s shelter on West Park Stray in Harrogate.

Colin Reynolds and his daughter, Lauren Reynolds, had just driven around the Prince of Wales roundabout and on to West Park Stray when they noticed the mature tree splinter.

You can read more here.

5.15pm: Tree crashes into cabman’s shelter on West Park Stray

A tree has just come crashing down on to West Park Stray. Traffic is reduced to single lane.

storm Eunice

4.59pm: Tree down in Harrogate

Beckwith Head Road.

 

4.56pm: Gritters out tonight

We are #gritting priority roads across #NorthYorkshire overnight.

Road surface temperatures will widely fall below zero leading to a widespread risk of ice.

Remember gritting doesn't guarantee an ice or snow-free surface.

More info https://t.co/6cnhGrxFu6 pic.twitter.com/itSpVUu2as

— North Yorkshire Council (@northyorksc) February 18, 2022

 

4.51: North Yorkshire Police issues safety advice

– Check your windscreen wipers and all of your car’s lights are working

– Gusts of wind can unsettle vehicles so keep both hands firmly on the steering wheel at all times
• If a road is flooded, turn around. Never drive through floodwater@HighwaysYORKS for travel updates pic.twitter.com/4YRqTQQCxj

— North Yorkshire Police (@NYorksPolice) February 18, 2022

4.35pm: Increase in calls for firefighters

North Yorkshire Fire and Rescue Service has noticed an increase in incidents in the last hour.

We've had a busy day with various incidents but only just getting a few storm related incidents in the past hour – a tree fallen onto a house in #Selby, unsafe chimney stack in #Bentham and a tree blocking the #A162 in #Tadcaster and an unsafe roof in #Harrogate

— North Yorkshire Fire & Rescue Service (@NorthYorksFire) February 18, 2022

4.15pm: Tree down in Weeton

A tree has fallen in the wind on Weeton Lane in Weeton and is blocking the road.

3pm: Tarpaulin in Bilton

A roof tarpaulin has landed on a driveway in Bilton this afternoon.

 

Flood alert extended to entire River Nidd as Storm Dudley continues

An amber weather warning is in force across the Harrogate district this evening as Storm Dudley brings rain and strong winds.

A Met Office amber weather warning means residents can expect more disruption to roads and public transport and there’s an increased risk of power cuts and fallen trees.

Gusts of up to 50mph are expected. Follow all the latest updates below.

20.11 – Flood alert extended to entire River Nidd

The River Nidd flood alert has been extended to the Lower and Middle Nidd in the last 10 minutes.

Heavy rainfall this afternoon means flooding of low lying land is expected tonight and tomorrow.

The flood alert area in the Middle Nidd includes land around the Middle River Nidd and its tributaries including Thornton Beck, Newton Beck, Oak Beck, Cow Dyke Beck, Bilton Beck, Frogmire Dike and Syke Dike.

For the Lower Nidd, it includes the Lower River Nidd and its tributaries including Sand Beck, Sike Beck, Pool Beck and Great Gutter

The alert says:

“River levels are expected to fall during Thursday morning. Further heavy rainfall is expected on Friday.

“Plan driving routes to avoid low lying roads near rivers, which may be flooded.”

19.22 – Flood alert issued for Upper Nidd around Psteley Bridge

The government’s flood alert service has issued a flood alert this evening for the Upper Nidd. It says:

“Flooding of low lying land is expected on Wednesday evening and overnight into Thursday.

“River levels are expected to fall during Thursday morning. Further heavy rainfall is expected on Friday.

“Areas most at risk include land around the Upper River Nidd and its tributaries including How Stean Beck, Blayshaw Gill, Ramsgill Beck, Lul Beck, Foster Beck, Fosse Gill, Fell Beck and Darley Beck.

Flood alert Upper Nidd

17.54 – Strong winds expected all night

Although reports of serious disruption in the Harrogate district appear rare so far, the storm is far from over. The Met Office forecast is for winds to remain close to 50mph throughout the night.

The district’s amber weather warning remains in place until midnight, when it will be replaced by a less severe yellow warning. But another amber warning is in place from 3am Friday until 9pm the same day. Things should start to calm down then.

17.05 – LNER warns of train disruption

London North Eastern Railway is operating a reduced timetable and implementing speed reductions over the next two days.

A reduced timetable will be in place across parts of the route on Friday. The company said in a statement:

“People who are booked to travel in either direction between York and London King’s Cross or Leeds and London King’s Cross are being advised not to travel on Friday but where possible, make their journey tomorrow, Thursday 17 February.”

Refunds are available.

Network Rail has introduced speed restrictions on the East Coast route with possible damage to infrastructure as a result of the anticipated conditions.

16.31 – Power cuts in HG3 and HG4

According to Northern Powergrid’s live updates of power cuts,180 homes are currently without power in HG3 and nearby LS21. Power should be restored by 5.45pm. Also, fewer than 10 homes are currently without power in HG4 but they should be back on by 6pm.

16.26 – Police issue warning

North Yorkshire Police is urging people to be careful as Storm Dudley continues to rage across the Harrogate district. It says there are reports of several fallen trees in Craven.

What’s the situation like in the Harrogate district? Send us your updates at contact@thestrayferret.co.uk.

The wind & rain is picking up across #NorthYorkshire as #StormDudley blows in.

Please take care if you are out & about. Be aware of fallen debris and flood water.

We currently have reports of several fallen trees in the #Craven area across several routes.
#drivetoarrive pic.twitter.com/BDCFOO95Si

— N Yorks Police Traffic Bureau & Road Safety Team (@NYTrafficBureau) February 16, 2022

15.38 – 100mph gusts in north Yorkshire 

The situation may be bad in the Harrogate district, bit other parts of the county are faring worse. Hawes has just recorded a gust of 100mph.

How badly is your area affected by the storms? Let us know at contact@thestrayferret.co.uk.

https://twitter.com/northyorkswx/status/1493971521139785734

1.10pm – Amber warning to come into place in the next hour

The Met Office has issued an amber warning for the Harrogate district from 2pm with winds forecast to reach 50mph.

The forecast also shows the heaviest rain is set to fall between 2-4pm. Amber warnings mean the likelihood of more fallen trees and power cuts is likely.

The amber warning is in place until midnight tonight when it moves down to a yellow warning for tomorrow.

https://twitter.com/metoffice/status/1493933183116759045

11.13am – Fountains Abbey reopens Studley deer park

Fountains Abbey has confirmed that it has reopened Studley deer park this morning, but higher paths at the water garden have no access.

***Update at 11am – Studley deer park has now reopened as well as the abbey and water garden. There is no access to the higher paths in the Water Garden. ***

— Fountains Abbey & Studley Royal, National Trust (@fountainsabbey) February 16, 2022

10.23am – Tree down in Starbeck

Strong winds have brought a tree down on the cycle path on Nidderdale Greenway at Starbeck.

9.21am – Fountains Abbey opening update

Fountains Abbey in Ripon has issued an update on its opening hours ahead of forecast strong winds today.

Update at 9:14am – The abbey and water garden will open at 11am today (16/02) through the visitor centre and West Gate entrances. Studley deer park remains closed until further notice.

— Fountains Abbey & Studley Royal, National Trust (@fountainsabbey) February 16, 2022

9.10am – Tree down on Stray

A tree has been blown over on the Stray and is blocking the footpath next to the Prince of Wales roundabout.

However, it is not on the road and traffic is moving freely.

9am – RHS Harlow Carr closed

RHS Harlow Carr will be closed today due to strong winds caused by Storm Dudley.

In a tweet, RHS Harlow Carr said the decision was made in the interests of the safety of visitors, staff and volunteers.

⚠️ CLOSED Wednesday 16th February

Unfortunately, due to high winds today we've taken the decision to close the garden. This is for the safety of our visitors, staff and volunteers.

We hope to re-open the garden soon, please check back for further updates. pic.twitter.com/GpSHz9eLOr

— RHS Harlow Carr (@RHSHarlowCarr) February 16, 2022

8.30am – County council urges care during Storm Dudley

North Yorkshire County Council has urged drivers to take care on the roads following the amber weather warning in place today.

The winds are picking up across #NorthYorkshire as #StormDudley blows in.

The @metoffice has issued an amber #weather warning for very strong & disruptive winds.

Please take care if you are out & about & be aware of fallen debris on the roads.

More: https://t.co/nyJZTWirOP pic.twitter.com/4kUStzQnfi

— North Yorkshire Council (@northyorksc) February 16, 2022

8.10am – RHS Harlow Carr and Fountains Abbey opening hours

As previously reported, both RHS Harlow Carr and Fountains Abbey in Ripon have adjusted their opening hours today due to the forecast strong winds.

Due to the forecast of high winds, the woodland (including play area) and glasshouses will be closed Weds to Fri this week.

We apologise for any inconvenience, but the safety of everyone is paramount. We will continue to monitor the situation, please check for further updates. pic.twitter.com/2CBsh0gMVT

— RHS Harlow Carr (@RHSHarlowCarr) February 15, 2022

It's likely we'll be opening the mains site & deer park later tomorrow (Wed 16 Feb) to allow the worst of Storm Dudley to pass and make the site safe.
Our team will make a decision on opening in the morning so please check in with our website for the most up to date information. pic.twitter.com/Rltps8lVCC

— Fountains Abbey & Studley Royal, National Trust (@fountainsabbey) February 15, 2022

7.45am – Power cuts in Beckwithshaw

Residents have reported power cuts in Beckwithshaw following the storm this morning

Northern Powergrid is reporting cuts in the HG3 and LS17 areas.

According to the company’s website, around 70 properties have been affected and power is expected to be restored at 9.15am.

This morning, Northern Powergrid said in a statement that it expected Storm Dudley to cause disruption “above typical levels”.

A spokesperson said:

“We expect that the storm will create levels of disruption that are over and above typical levels.

“If it does, we will be applying the lessons learnt from Storm Arwen in relation to keeping customers updated on our progress. In the early stages, we will give longer estimates of likely restoration times that reflect the fact that we won’t know the extent of the damage to the network.”

7.38am – Met Office updates amber weather warning

The Met Office has updated its weather warning to amber for parts of the Harrogate district. It means disruption to public transport, roads and power cuts are likely.

The warning is in place from 4pm today until midnight.

However, a yellow weather warning remains in place until tomorrow.

Find the latest on the Met Office warning below.

7.25am – Tree down on Pennypot Lane

A Stray Ferret reader has got in touch to report a tree down on Pennypot Lane near to the bridge with Harlow Moor Road.

Drivers are urged to avoid the area.

Picture: Kimberley Harness.

Weather warning of strong winds issued for Harrogate district

The Harrogate district is braced for stormy weather this week after a weather warning has been issued.

The Met Office has put a yellow warning in place for strong winds in the district, as well as the north east of England and Scotland.

It warns that “a period of very strong winds could cause some disruption”.

The warning has been issued from 6pm on Wednesday until the same time the following day.

The Met Office says that the district could see power cuts, fallen trees and some damage to buildings.

The yellow weather warning issued for the Harrogate district from Wednesday.

The yellow weather warning issued for the Harrogate district from Wednesday.

It adds that strong winds could affect public transport.

The weather warning comes just weeks after the district was hit by Storm Malik.

The storm saw strong winds force one business to close and brought down multiple trees in Harrogate causing traffic disruption.

Meanwhile, villagers in Hampsthwaite were left without power. A total of 590 properties in HG1 and HG3 postcodes went without electricity during the storm.

Read more:

 

Harrogate district braced for Storm Corrie

The Harrogate district is braced for another wild night of weather as Storm Corrie approaches.

A Met Office yellow weather warning is in place until midday tomorrow, with gusts of up to 45 mph predicted.

Winds are expected to strengthen at about 8pm and peak overnight from 2am to 3am.

The district is still recovering from yesterday’s Storm Malik, which uprooted numerous trees and led to venues and events being cancelled. Some areas, including Hampsthwaite and Birstwith, also experienced power cuts.

The Met Office has warned further power cuts are likely, along with travel problems and damage to trees and buildings.

https://twitter.com/metoffice/status/1487847531459526660

Read more:

 

 

Harrogate landscaping boss tells of lucky escape from falling tree

The owner of a Harrogate landscaping company was lucky to avoid being crushed by a tree that blew over in Bilton today.

Jason Kirk, owner of Jennyfields firm Patios and Groundworkz, had parked his van outside a customer’s drive on Woodfield Road.

He and employee Steven Beecroft were digging holes for fencing in the driveway until Mr Kirk had to drive off for some timber shortly before 11am.

In the 20 or so minutes he was away, a large tree came crashing down exactly where his van was parked.

Mr Kirk said:

“It was sheer luck.I was parked outside the driveway, exactly where the tree came down.

“There would not have been a van left if it had happened when it was parked there and I was lucky to avoid it too.”

Read more:

Mr Beecroft, who was still working in the driveway when the tree fell, said:

“I heard this almighty crackling sound  I stood up thinking ‘what was that?’ and saw the tree coming down.

“It was lucky there were no cars coming and nobody walking by on the path. It’s a busy road.

“A guy in a house opposite came running out because the tree had come down half a foot from his car but luckily it was OK.”

Jason Kirk next to his van on Woodfield Drive, Bilton.

Jason Kirk next to his van and the fallen tree on Woodfield Drive, Bilton.

The tree is one of several trees to have fallen today in the Harrogate district due to Storm Malik.

A Met Office yellow weather warning of strong wind has been in place across the district.

You can read more about today’s storm here.

Severe cold weather warning begins tonight in Harrogate district

A severe cold weather warning is in place for the Harrogate district from midnight tonight until Thursday.

With ice and snow possible, the UK Health Security Agency has encouraged people to stay warm and look out for those most at risk.

Many people in the district woke up to snow and ice today but temperatures are set to drop lower tonight to minus three degrees centigrade overnight.

Middlesmoor by Pierce Arhnöld

Another photo of Middlesmoor this morning by Pierce Arhnöld,

The Met Office has warned that the north-east, north-west and Yorkshire and Humber regions will experience cold weather until midday on Thursday.

Read more:

Agostinho Sousa, a consultant in public health medicine at UKHSA, said:

“Cold weather can have a serious impact on health, particularly for older people and those with heart and lung problems, as it increases the risks of heart attacks, strokes and chest infections.

“It’s important to check on those who are more vulnerable to cold weather, including older neighbours or relatives – especially those living alone or those who have serious illness.

“Remind them to heat their home to at least 18 Celsius, 64.4 Fahrenheit and to keep up to date with the forecast.”

Met Office chief meteorologist Neil Armstrong said:

“This change is being brought on by a cold northerly flow, which brings with it the risk of some wintry showers in places in northern England, especially over high ground.

“Minimum temperatures over the next few days are expected to drop below freezing, heightening the risk of some ice formation.”

Boxing Day snow warning for Harrogate district

The Met Office has issued a Boxing Day weather warning for snow and strong winds in the Harrogate district.

The warning comes into effect just after midnight and is in place until midday tomorrow.

A band of snow is expected to move in from the north-west in the early hours, turning to rain later on in the morning.

The warning says:

“Snow and strong winds are expected, leading to possible disruption, mainly to travel over higher ground.

“Some roads and railways likely to be affected by snow or ice, leading to longer journey times by car, as well as by bus and possibly train services.

“Some short term loss of power and other services is possible.”

Yellow warnings are less severe than amber and red warnings so it is unlikely there will be widespread disruption but it is possible some parts the district, especially higher areas around Pateley Bridge, may experience early morning travel problems.

The cold weather is unlikely to last. Temperatures are expected to be as high as 13 degrees centigrade by Wednesday and stay extremely mild into the new year.

Read more:

 

Storm Arwen: Travel warnings and events cancelled in Harrogate district

There are travel warnings and cancelled events as the district braces itself for Storm Arwen.

The Met Office has issued a rare red warning for wind in the North East, where there is danger to life as a result of flying debris expected from 3pm until 2am tomorrow.

Here in the Harrogate district the area is covered by a yellow warning for both wind and snow from 5pm today until tomorrow around 10am.

3.30pm – Brimham Rocks closed tomorrow

The National Trust has announced Brimham Rocks will be closed to visitors tomorrow due to the storm.

2.53pm – Rail passengers encouraged to postpone journeys

LNER has encouraged any customers booked to travel from today, Friday 26 until the end of service on Sunday 28 to defer their travel if possible.

Tickets will be valid on LNER services on the following dates: Monday 29 and Tuesday 30 November including Wednesday 1 December 2021.

Network Rail has imposed emergency speed restrictions as the extreme weather conditions begin to impact the East Coast route.

2.35pm – Only travel if necessary, says county council

North Yorkshire County Council has urged drivers only to travel if necessary as Storm Arwen approaches.

The storm is expected to bring strong winds and the possibility of sleet turning into snow on higher ground.

Cllr Don Mackenzie, executive member for access at the county council, said:

“All our NY Highways teams are in place and will be able to respond to any conditions that arise over the weekend. In addition, the 100 farming contractors that support our winter highways operation are primed to help if required, particularly if the strong winds exacerbate any impact of snow through drifting.

“We would ask anyone planning to travel to consider whether their journey is absolutely necessary. If they do need to travel, they should be alert to the conditions, drive accordingly and leave extra time for their journey.

“High winds can affect vehicle handling, so drivers need to adjust their driving by slowing down and being careful when passing high-sided vehicles on exposed roads. They should also give extra space to cyclists and motorcyclists when overtaking. Drivers should make sure their vehicles are prepared for winter.”

1.50pm – Harrogate Christmas rides may not be running

The Christmas attractions in Harrogate may not be running this weekend due to forecasted heavy winds.

Harrogate Borough Council said today that the ferris wheel, carousel and helter-skelter could be put on hold while Storm Arwen moves through the area.

A spokesperson added that the situation will be monitored over the next couple of days.

The Helter Skelter next to the war memorial in Harrogate town centre.

The Helter Skelter next to the war memorial in Harrogate town centre.

1.30pm – Emergency services issue safety advice

North Yorkshire Police and North Yorkshire Fire and Rescue have issued safety advice for residents in light of Storm Arwen.

Both have warned people to be careful if residents are out and about and to secure anything in the garden.

North Yorkshire Fire and Rescue said:

North Yorkshire Police added:

12.45pm – Yellow warning for Harrogate district

A yellow weather warning for wind remains in place for tomorrow across the Harrogate district.

Storm Arwen is also predicted to bring cold temperatures with the possibility of sleet and snow over some lower ground although it is likely to be short-lived.

The Met Office has issued the following advice as to what to expect with a yellow warning:

12.40pm – Mother Shipton’s set to close

Mother Shipton’s Cave in Knaresborough has also decided to close due to the forecasted high winds and snow tomorrow.

The attraction Tweeted today to say it is set in ancient woodland so is unable to open under the expected weather conditions.

A spokesperson said:

“We have had to make the difficult decision to close on Saturday 27th November 2021 due to amber weather warnings for wind.

“The attraction is set in ancient woodland and we cannot safely open during these conditions. We would like to apologise for any inconvenience caused.”

12pm – Fountains Abbey closes estate to visitors

The National Trust has announced that the Fountains Abbey and Studley Royal estate will be closed to visitors tomorrow.

It means that the music and lights event planned for between 2pm and 5pm, when the abbey would have been aglow in coloured lights with festive music playing, will not go ahead.

The team at Fountains Abbey has said it hopes to be able to reopen again on Sunday when the storm has passed.

A spokesperson for the National Trust said:

“Storm Arwen is making a gale force visit to Fountains tomorrow and to keep everyone safe the estate will be closed on Saturday.

“This includes Studley deer park as well as the abbey, water garden, visitor centre and car parks.

“We’re so sorry to disappoint anyone who was planning a visit and hope you’ll be able to come again another day.

“Fingers crossed we’ll be open as usual on Sunday but please do check our website and social media channels before you set off for the most up-to-date information.”

Met office issues weather warning for district as Storm Arwen hits

The Met Office has issued a yellow warning for strong winds across the Harrogate district over the weekend as Storm Arwen hits the north of England.

The yellow warning for Saturday follows a higher amber warning from Friday afternoon for the north east of England and coastal areas.

Storm Arwen is also predicted to bring cold temperatures with the possibility of sleet and snow over some lower ground although it is likely to be short-lived.

Met Office has issued the following advice as to what to expect with a yellow warning:

Read more: