North Yorkshire Police has said it will refer the owner of four dogs who were left inside a baking hot car to the RSCPA.

The Stray Ferret reported yesterday that bystanders at Oak Beck Retail Park off Skipton Road had to smash a Land Rover Discovery window to free the dogs.

They had been trapped for over half an hour without even a window open.

Fortunately, there were vets working at the nearby Vets4Pets, which is inside Pets At Home.

The Labradors were given treatment and after a health check that showed they were OK, were handed back to the owner.

But that might not be the end of the matter. A North Yorkshire Police spokesperson has confirmed that an officer spoke to the male owner and will refer the incident to the RSPCA.

A spokesperson said:

“Members of the public witnessed the dogs being left unattended with the windows up and seemingly without air conditioning for around 30 minutes.

“One of them smashed a window on the vehicle and the dogs were taken into the care of a vet.

“Police spoke to the owner of the dogs and are due to report him to the RSPCA.”

Read more:

• Four dogs rescued from hot car in Harrogate given back to owner
• Bystanders smash car window to rescue four dogs in Harrogate

What powers does the RSPCA have?

Extreme hot weather affected the Harrogate district today. Here’s a look back at today’s heatwave news.

It’s supposed to be even hotter tomorrow — please send details of travel problems/cancellations etc to contact@thestrayferret.co.uk.

6.49pm – Harrogate Grammar School to close tomorrow

Harrogate Grammar School, the largest school in the Harrogate district, is to close tomorrow due to the extreme weather.

In an email to parents, headteacher Neil Renton said:

“The classrooms seem to be tracking at least 2 to 3 degrees above the external temperature.

“The forecast for tomorrow from 1pm is 36 degrees with this rising to 38 degrees by 2pm. We have found even the temperature today to be an unbearable temperature for children to learn.

“Despite our best efforts to cool the building over the weekend, closing all the blinds, we now have high levels of residual heat in school from a very warm day today.

“Despite giving out free bottles of cold water to the children at lunch, our site team making outdoor spray stations and adjusting uniform expectations, the school has been very uncomfortable.

“The fact that we have a very strong remote learning offer, developed through two lockdowns, means that we can maintain the continuity of provision.

“As a result, we have made the decision to close the school due to the extreme weather conditions forecast.”

Hampsthwaite Primary School has also told parents that although the school will be open, if parents are uncomfortable sending their children to school it will not be considered unauthorised absence.

If you have details of other school closures tomorrow, message us at contact@thestrayferret.co.uk

5.25pm – Help a hedgehog during the heatwave

HAPPY (hedgehog appreciation prickly pals Yorkshire), based in Ramsgill, has asked people to leave a bowl of water out for hedgehogs during this week’s heatwave.

5.25pm – Fountains Abbey to open tomorrow – but no guided tours

National Trust-owned Fountains Abbey has said it will open tomorrow but urged people not to bring dogs and to consider coming on Wednesday, when cooler temperatures are forecast.

1/3 Whew! Today was a scorcher and tomorrow is set to be even hotter. Fountains Abbey & Studley Royal will be open tomorrow but we would really recommend visiting on a different day if you can.
The site is very large with steep hills and few shady spaces. Visitors should prepare pic.twitter.com/AmhpXcSMQX

— Fountains Abbey & Studley Royal, National Trust (@fountainsabbey) July 18, 2022

2/3 for walking for long periods in the direct sun and bring plenty of water and suncream. Please don't bring dogs with you if you're planning a visit tomorrow.
The weather is due to break on Wednesday so we should be back to normal then. For now, we wont be running

— Fountains Abbey & Studley Royal, National Trust (@fountainsabbey) July 18, 2022

3/3/ guided tours and we may have to close some areas early for the welfare of our team.
Stay safe and cool – we'll be posting about ice and snow before you know it!

— Fountains Abbey & Studley Royal, National Trust (@fountainsabbey) July 18, 2022

3.45pm – Some bin collections delayed

Harrogate Borough Council has said not all of its scheduled bin collections have been completed today because of the rising temperatures.

It has asked anyone whose collection has been missed to leave their bin out and crews will aim to return when the weather is cooler later this week.

Some collections from today (Monday) are also outstanding as our crews deal with the rising temperatures. Please continue to leave your waste or recycling out as we'll aim to return later in the week.

Apologies for any inconvenience this may cause.

— Harrogate Borough Council (@Harrogatebc) July 18, 2022

3.15pm – No London trains from Harrogate tomorrow

LNER has confirmed that no trains will be running from Harrogate to London Kings Cross tomorrow.

The company is running a reduced service due to extreme heat.

https://twitter.com/LNER/status/1548638466656931840

2.25pm – Temperatures reach 34 degrees in Knaresborough

The temperature has reached 34 degrees in Knaresborough, according to local weather stations.

Areas in Harrogate are currently at 32 degrees.

2.05pm – New caves keep people cool at How Stean Gorge

Visitors to How Stean Gorge in Nidderdale are keeping cool by using two new caves that the attraction has bought.

The two new caves are Hazel Close Cave, which is about 120 metres long and only accessible via a ladder, although features a walking passage for 37 metres. Oxbow Cave is the second new cave, on the north side of How Stean Gorge and is 25 metres in length.

Tony Liddy, director of How Stean Gorge, said: 

“We’ve transformed the site with our ambitious expansion plans to cater to the huge demand for adventure tourism. Acquiring the caves is an important part of that, as we want to showcase nature’s stunning playground in this unique gorge that has existed for ten thousand years, since the last Ice Age.”

1.05pm Quiet on the Stray in the afternoon sun

It looks like most people are heeding the warnings not to sit out in the sun today, with the Stray looking all but deserted in the high temperatures.

We saw just a few people walking across the grass, and even one runner, but it’s much quieter than usual for this time of day.

Meanwhile, the town centre itself feels quiet, though some hardy shoppers were still out on Cambridge Street – mostly sticking to the shade along the south side.

12.58pm: 34 degrees reported in Burn Bridge

According to local weather stations, Burn Bridge is the current hotspot, with the mercury hitting 34 degrees centigrade.

12.44pm – Umbrellas up as Harrogate hits 30 degrees

It’s a day for brollies… although not for their usual purpose. How are you spending your lunch hour?

11.45am – Harrogate charity offers help during extreme heat

Harrogate Easier Living Project has offered support to those struggling during the hot weather.

The charity is offering people emotional and practical support during the soaring temperatures.

If you, or anyone you know, is struggling with the heat, needs help and doesn't know where to turn, please call HELP on 01423 813090 and we can offer friendly practical & emotional support in #Harrogate #Knaresborough #Ripon and surrounding villages #HeretoHELP @HADCAcharity pic.twitter.com/9M3YJvNm8h

— HELP charity #HereToHELP (@HELP_Harrogate) July 18, 2022

11.30am – Ripon family enjoys the sun

It’s warmer than the Bahamas at the Borrage Green Lane Paddling Pool in Ripon, where mum Paula and her children Oli, two, Ted, six, and 10-year-old Arabella were managing to keep cool with an 11am dip.

11.15am – County council urges people to look out for each other

North Yorkshire County Council has urged people to look out for each other during the extreme heat.

Let's look out for each other during the hot weather.

Please remember to check on family, friends or neighbours who may need help keeping cool.

The heat can affect anyone, but for some it can have serious effects on health.

Get #heatwave advice ⬇️https://t.co/LvFJHsibGi pic.twitter.com/aq0af1CC4V

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

10.55am – Knaresborough Town postpones match

Knaresborough Town AFC has postponed its pre-season friendly tomorrow due to the red weather warning.

The club was due to play Campion AFC at Manse Lane tomorrow evening.

https://twitter.com/KnaresboroughFC/status/1548664274280669185

10.50am – Convention centre issues advice

Harrogate Convention Centre has issued advice to those attend this week’s Home and Gift Fair.

The event is set to take place this week during the heatwave.

The convention centre has advised attendees to drink plenty of fluids, bring water with them and to look out for those who may struggle to keep themselves cool and hydrated.

https://twitter.com/HgtConventions/status/1547895249137111043?s=20&t=zSOw9DeeoAzafHyGYK5Xbw

10.35am – Boroughbridge care home residents enjoy ice cream amid heatwave

Residents at Boroughbridge Manor care home kept cool over the weekend amid the hot weather with ice cream.

The home timed the treats well for National Ice Cream Day as the Met Office issued a red warning for extreme heat.

Ann, a resident said:

“I absolutely love ice cream. There really isn’t anything nicer on a hot summer’s day. We have had loads to sample today with all kinds of different sprinkles and sauces. They have all been truly delicious.”

9.55am – Yorkshire Ambulance Service urges people to take responsibility for themselves during extreme heat

Yorkshire Ambulance Service has issued advice amid the hot weather.

The service is asking people to take responsibility for themselves so ambulance crews can respond to the seriously ill across the region during the heatwave.

Dr Steven Dykes, Executive Medical Director at Yorkshire Ambulance Service NHS Trust, said:

“This advice is common sense but, by reminding everyone, we hope that it will help to reduce the number of people who suffer any ill-effects from the hot weather.

“We will always respond to anyone needing time-critical medical assistance, but we ask that people think carefully before dialling 999 and only call for an ambulance in an emergency when it is obvious that you or another person has a serious or life-threatening illness or injury.

“People suffering from minor illnesses and injuries should consider more appropriate services, such as visiting their local pharmacist or GP, attending a walk-in-centre or minor injuries unit or calling NHS 111.”

9.40am – Direct trains to London cancelled

Direct trains from Harrogate to London Kings Cross have been cancelled due to the extreme heat.

LNER is running a reduced timetable amid the weather warning.

Network Rail is advising that passengers only travel if necessary both today and tomorrow.

9.25am – Advice for drivers in extreme heat

If you’re planning on driving today, National Highways has issued advice for precautions to take before getting on the road.

It includes taking a bottle of water in your car, leaving plenty of time for your journey and checking your vehicle before you leave.

You can read the advice here.

9.15am – Spa Croquet Club postpones match

Spa Croquet Club, which plays at Studley Royal Cricket Club, has postponed its match which was due to be played today.

The Federation match has been postponed to Monday, July 25.

The friendly against Ben Rhydding due to be played today has also been postponed, but a new date has yet to be agreed.

9.10am – Dog walkers up early in Harrogate

Some dog walkers were up early to beat the rising temperatures this morning.

The heat is expected to reach highs of 34 degrees in Harrogate today.

9am – Hospitals, schools and care homes braced for hot weather

Schools, care homes and public services across the Harrogate district are putting in place measures to protect vulnerable people from the extreme temperatures expected today and tomorrow.

With the Met Office forecasting highs of 38C and red warnings in place, there is a risk to health, especially for the elderly, very young and people with existing medical condition.

You can read more on how schools, hospitals and care homes are preparing here.

8.50am – Ripon Cathedral School reschedules Shrek performance

With temperatures rising, Ripon Cathedral Primary on Priest Lane has organised for a portable air conditioning unit to be put in place in the school hall and planned performances of the Legend of Shrek by key stage 2 pupils, to be re-scheduled from tomorrow, to Wednesday and Thursday.

In a message to parents and carers, head teacher Steven Holmes said he had taken the difficult decision to move the sold-out performances until later in the week.

He said:

“We are concerned about the potential temperatures in the hall for the Tuesday performances of Shrek with over 200 bodies in one space.

“As a school we have invested in LED lighting to reduce heat and have organised for a portable air conditioning unit.”

Tickets bought for tomorrow’s performances will be automatically transferred.

8.40am – Amber weather warning

The Met Office has an amber weather warning of extreme heat for the Harrogate today and tomorrow.

The warning means that “population-wide adverse health effects are likely to be experienced, not limited to those most vulnerable to extreme heat, leading to potential serious illness or danger to life.”

It also means that “substantial changes” in working practices and daily routines are likely to be required.

8.30am – Fountains Abbey makes changes amid hot weather

Fountains Abbey and Studley Royal at Ripon has made changes amid the hot weather.

Its Studley refreshment kiosk will be closing at midday and guided tours of the abbey and water gardens will not be taking place.

8am – Northern: Only travel if necessary

Northern has urged passengers to only travel if necessary during the extreme heat.

It has also warned that its services could be cancelled at short notice amid the hot weather.

https://twitter.com/northernassist/status/1548918144286175234

Energy regulator Ofgem has today published a damning report into how Northern Powergrid handled Storm Arwen.

The storm battered the Harrogate district and much of the UK in November and caused widespread disruption to homes and businesses. Over one million customers lost power as winds hit 98mph.

The storm struck during bitterly cold weather and left some rural homes in the district, including in Beckwithshaw and parts of Nidderdale, unable to cook or heat their homes.

Northern Powergrid is the company responsible for the electricity distribution network across the North East, Yorkshire and northern Lincolnshire.

Six-month review

Ofgem published its findings after a six-month review into how Northern Powergrid, Scottish and Southern Electricity Networks and Electricity North West responded to the storm.

The review focused on whether the power outages could have been prevented and whether correct and timely information was given to customers.

A fallen tree in Jennyfields during the storm.

It also looked at whether power was restored quickly enough and how customers were supported after the storm including the processing of compensation payments.

It found some households remained off power for an “unacceptable” amount of time, received poor communication from their network operator and compensation payments took too long.

It highlighted Northern Powergrid in particular for not contacting vulnerable customers prior to the storm.

Read more:

• Fire Brigades Union ‘seriously concerned’ over cuts to Harrogate service
• Used car dealership launches in Harrogate as second hand market booms

Below standards

The report warned Northern Powergrid that the performance at its call centre fell below standards, which could be a breach of licence conditions.

It also suggested that some of the electricity poles that fell onto power lines were susceptible to damage because of their age, although it said this needs further investigation.

Jonathan Brearley, chief executive of Ofgem, said:

“The frequency of extreme weather events is only set to increase so it is really important that industry, and those involved more widely, learn from Storm Arwen to better respond in future.”

The three energy firms have already agreed to pay nearly £30m in compensation to affected customers but following the report, they have agreed to pay a further £10.3m.

Read the report in full here.

Northern Powergrid’s response

Phil Jones, chief executive of Northern Powergrid, has published a full response to the Ofgem report on its website.

Mr Jones said:

“As we said at the time, we understand how challenging Storm Arwen was for our customers and we are sorry for the difficulty and disruption it caused to their lives. We appreciate the patience that they showed and the dedication of our team who worked through some of the most difficult conditions we have ever faced.

“The extreme nature of the event meant we learned some difficult lessons. It highlighted some limitations in our systems and showed us things we can do to be able to provide a stronger response to more extreme storms. We are committed to doing those things to make the communities that we serve more resilient to extreme weather events.”

The rate of covid in the Harrogate district has halved since the most recent wave of infections peaked on March 25.

Latest figures from North Yorkshire County Council show that 441 per 100,000 people currently have the virus.

The rate has fallen sharply since the end of March when it had risen to 1,005 per 100,000 people.

Cases rose due to the BA.2 subvariant of Omicron, a more contagious strain of Omicron that was circulating in January and February.

NHS figures show 110,794 people have had three doses of a covid vaccine in the district, which is 71% of the population aged over 12.

Read more:

• Covid grant funds new ‘hosts’ to welcome Harrogate visitors

• Covid booster clinics to resume in Harrogate tomorrow

Schools and traffic across the Harrogate district were affected by overnight snow.

The Met Office issued a yellow weather for ice across the district, which was in place until 10am this morning.

You can recap our live blog and updates from the Harrogate, Ripon, Knaresborough, Boroughbridge, Pateley Bridge and Masham areas this morning below.

10.10am – Picture of Pateley Bridge this morning

Joyce Liggins has sent in this picture from Pateley Bridge of the town covered in snow.

She said:

“We woke up to a covering of snow this morning and it’s looking like there is plenty more to come by the look of the sky.”

9.31am – Met Office weather warning in place until 10am

The Met Office weather warning for ice remains in place until 10am.

Gritters have been out on main roads in Harrogate this morning during the overnight snow.

9am – Readers’ pictures

Stray Ferret readers have sent their pictures from this morning’s snow. Here is a couple they have shared with us.

If you have any pictures of the snow that you would like to share, you can email us at contact@thestrayferret.co.uk or message us on Facebook and Twitter.

Picture from Jackie Bedford.

Picture from Hornbeam Park this morning. Picture from Vicky Galbraith.

8.50am – St Aidan’s in Harrogate open as usual

St Aidan’s Church of England Secondary School will be open as normal this morning.

School is open as usual today. Please only travel if safe. Let us know if your child is not coming in. All students should sign in at reception if late. Many thanks. pic.twitter.com/pXNVZ3vJiO

— St Aidan's (@StAidansCEHS) March 31, 2022

8.36am – Only a handful of Ripon Market traders this morning

Only a handful of Ripon Market traders have set up stall this morning due to hazardous conditions on the roads.

Brian Murphy, stallholders’ spokesperson who runs a fruit and vegetable stall, said:

“Because many of the traders come from a distance and travelling conditions are horrendous coming into Ripon, they decided to turn around and go back home.

“I’m keeping an eye on the weather, but will stay open for as long as I can.”

Brian Murphy at his stall on Ripon Market this morning.

8.30am – Heavy but moving traffic on Otley Road

Traffic is heavy but moving this morning on Harrogate’s Otley Road.

Overnight snow has left some side roads treacherous, but main roads in and around Harrogate have been gritted.

8.15am – Rossett Acre Primary School opening at 10am

Rossett Acre Primary School in Harrogate will open at 10am due to the overnight snow.

If your school is affected by this morning’s adverse weather, get in touch at contact@thestrayferret.co.uk.

8am – Harrogate Grammar School delayed opening

Harrogate Grammar School has delayed the start of the school day due to the adverse weather.

The school will begin lessons from period three. Those pupils already on their way to school will still be accommodated and should report to the Hub on arrival.

7.45am – More pictures from across Harrogate

7.40am – Ripley Endowed Church of England Primary School delayed opening

Ripley Endowed Church of England Primary School will open at 10am due to the overnight snow.

The school said that those pupils who arrived before 10am should use the intercom to be let in.

7.35am – RHS Harlow Carr to open at 11am

RHS Harlow Carr gardens will open at a slightly later time this morning.

The gardens will open at 11am due to the snow in order to allow for the car park and pathways to be cleared.

⚠️ Thursday 31st March

Please note, due to snow, the garden will open slightly later today at 11am. This is to allow our teams time to clear the car park and pathways. We apologise for any inconvenience caused by this, please check back for further updates. pic.twitter.com/Yb8tj5DakF

— RHS Harlow Carr (@RHSHarlowCarr) March 31, 2022

7.30am – Kettlesing Felliscliffe Primary School and Beckwithshaw Primary School to have delayed starts

Kettlesing Felliscliffe Primary School and Beckwithshaw Primary School will both open at 10am this morning.

If your school is affected by this morning’s adverse weather, get in touch at contact@thestrayferret.co.uk.

7.25am – Traffic moving normally in Harrogate

Traffic around Harrogate Town Centre is running normally at the moment.

Gritters have been down York Place and West Park this morning to clear the roads. However, traffic is expected to pick up in the next hour.

7.20am – Is your school affected by the snow?

If your school is affected by this morning’s adverse weather, get in touch and let us know.

You can email us at contact@thestrayferret.co.uk or on Facebook and Twitter.

7.12am: Weather warning in place until 10am

The @metoffice has issued a yellow #weather warning for #ice from 8pm tonight until 10am tomorrow.

Forecasters say #snow & hail showers could lead to icy surfaces, with possible travel disruption.

Take extra care if out and about.

More: https://t.co/nyJZTWA2Gn pic.twitter.com/s1roUeqCrO

— North Yorkshire Council (@northyorksc) March 30, 2022

7.03am: Harrogate covered in snow

https://twitter.com/MrsReedGeo/status/1509405530086948865

6.50am: Harrogate district wakes to blanket of snow.

Here’s the scene on Ripon Road in Killinghall. Send your updates to contact@thestrayferret.co.uk.

Temperatures are set to plummet tonight after snow hit teatime traffic in the Harrogate district.

Snow is forecast across the district this evening and overnight temperatures are expected to reach -1 degrees celsius in Harrogate. It will be colder in more remote areas, especially around Pateley Bridge.

John Benson took this photo of Greenhow this afternoon.

BBC Weather is predicting the snow will clear by 7am tomorrow.

A yellow warning for ice is in place in the district from 8pm tonight until 10pm. Roads across the county will be treated.

Read more:

• Call for urgent remedy to Ripon residents’ flooding issue
• Boroughbridge gets free public WiFi — and Harrogate is next

Nature observers, however, may get an opportunity to see the Northern Lights tonight.

The Met Office tweeted that the phenomenon, also known as the Aurora Borealis, may be visible.

Due to Coronal Mass Ejections arriving from the sun, there is a chance of seeing the #AuroraBorealis later tonight and again tomorrow night

As usual, the further north you are in the UK, the greater your chance of seeing it#NorthernLights

More here: https://t.co/sQ1IjJM44y pic.twitter.com/qxmFQNJCM6

— Met Office (@metoffice) March 30, 2022

A scenic 42-mile walk between Bradford and Ripon has been created that takes in Saltaire, Fountains Abbey and Brimham Rocks.

The Burley Bridge Association and Ramblers Lower Wharfedale, who devised the route, have invited ramblers to join them for the inaugural walk on Friday April 29. There will also be several guided walks spread out over the bank holiday weekend.

It will begin at Bradford Cathedral between 9am and 10am and will continue to Saltaire (4.5 miles) then to Burley (8 miles).

The third stage to Thruscross Reservoir (10 miles) will take place on Saturday April 30, starting at 10am from Burley Station, with mini-bus transport provided back to Burley. There will be a small charge to cover costs.

The fourth stage from Thruscross to Brimham Rocks (8.5 miles) will take place on Sunday May 1 and the fifth stage from Brimham Rocks to Ripon (11 miles) will take place on Bank Holiday Monday, May 2.

David Asher, secretary of the BBA said:

“It links the UNESCO World Heritage sites of Saltaire and Fountains Abbey and goes through some of the best scenery that West and North Yorkshire has to offer.

“From a hidden green corridor starting near the centre of Bradford, to upland moor landscapes with extensive views, stunning wooded valleys, and past dramatic geological formations such as Brimham Rocks.”

“There are also loads of bridges to cross including the 13th century Butterton Bridge which features on the waymarks along the route. The Wharfe can be crossed either by the stepping stones or by Denton Bridge depending on the water level.”

Read more:

• Hot Seat: Leading the Harrogate district’s leisure revolution
• Consultation on bid to join bridleways in Harrogate’s Crimple Valley

The walk finishes at Ripon Cathedral and all walkers are invited to the Ripon Beer Festival that takes place that day. It is being hosted by the Cathedral as part of its 1350th birthday celebrations.

If you want to book, send names and phone numbers to burleybridge@gmail.com

Heavy snowfall this afternoon caused widespread disruption.

Roads have been gridlocked in Harrogate town centre and Harrogate Town’s match has been postponed.

Follow live coverage below. Send your updates to contact@thestrayferret.co.uk.

A DPD van gets stuck after going around the barrier on Beech Grove and trying to cross the Stray…

5.24pm – Knaresborough FC have fun in the snow

Knaresborough FC played an interclub game in the snow this afternoon because Hestle were unable to fulfil the fixture.

Matthew Youngson from the club sent us this photo. He said:

“We also retired our number 11 jersey for the weekend due to the unfortunate passing of a player down south last weekend.”

4.38pm – A59 now clear

https://twitter.com/northyorkswx/status/1495071961889841155

4.11pm – Things returning to normal on the roads.

The situation appears to be getting back to normal on the district’s roads.

Thanks to reader Gordon Tennant for sending these images of Leeds Road in Harrogate earlier today.

3.43pm – Transdev appeals for patience on buses

Transdev, which owns the Harrogate Bus Company, is urging people to be patient and use its app to keep up to date with journeys in the snow,

Our teams are doing their best in snowy conditions. #HarrogateElectrics 3, #Dalesbus 36 and #The 7 have started to run again.

Please follow #Transdevgo app for live departures from your stop

@northyorkscc pic.twitter.com/oeKyQwtb5o

— The Harrogate Bus Company (@harrogatebus) February 19, 2022

3.18pm – Harlow Carr closes today and tomorrow

⚠️ CLOSED SUNDAY 20TH FEBRUARY
Unfortunately due to the forecast of yet more wind and heavy rain, the garden will be closed on Sunday, this is for the safety of everyone. We apologise for any inconvenience and thank all our customers for your continued understanding. pic.twitter.com/7MUv6cXGLc

— RHS Harlow Carr (@RHSHarlowCarr) February 19, 2022

3.15pm – Snow easing in Harrogate — what’s it like near you?

As forecast, snow is easing in Harrogate. Rain is forecast so the snow might not last long. What’s the situation like in higher and more rural parts of the district, like Greenhow and Blubberhouses? Is the traffic bad in other towns like Knaresborough, Boroughbridge and Pateley Bridge, or in the city of Ripon? Let us know by emailing contact@thestrayferret.co.uk.

3.07pm – Fountains Abbey closes early

The World Heritage Site near Ripon looks glorious in snow but people will have to admire it from a distance for the rest of the day as it has taken the decision to close early.

Well… That escalated quickly!
We've had unexpected heavy snow fall here and it's now forecast to keep going until early evening.
We've made the decision to close to make sure our visitors and team can get home safely.
It's proper Yorkshire weather! pic.twitter.com/pindOjHXnm

— Fountains Abbey & Studley Royal, National Trust (@fountainsabbey) February 19, 2022

2.50pm – Cars heading down Parliament Street in the snow

A reader has sent this footage of cars driving slowly down Parliament Street in the snow this afternoon.

2.45pm – Yellow weather warning until 3pm

The Met Office yellow weather warning for snow remains in place until 3pm.

It warns that longer journey times by road, bus and train services should be expected.

2.34pm – Gridlock in Harrogate town centre

Traffic is at a standstill on Cheltenham Parade in Harrogate town centre.

2.11pm: Traffic problems building up

Reports of long delays on many main routes in the Harrogate district – particularly around Parliament Street and  Cheltenham Parade.

1.50pm: Harrogate Town match off

Town were due to entertain Leyton Orient at 3pm.

❌ GAME OFF ❌

This afternoon’s @SkyBetLeagueTwo fixture against @leytonorientfc has been postponed #ProudToBeTown pic.twitter.com/M3PS9g1lVt

— Harrogate Town AFC (@HarrogateTown) February 19, 2022

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.

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.

A new market due to be held in Harrogate on Sunday has been cancelled as the district prepares for another storm.

Yellow weather warnings are in place for snow and wind in the Harrogate district tomorrow.

Real Food Markets, a community interest company that has organised a food market in Ilkley for six years, was due to host its first market in Harrogate’s Crescent Gardens on Sunday.

But tomorrow’s impending arrival of Storm Eunice has prompted organisers to cancel it.

A statement from Real Food Markets said:

“We are sorry to announce that our market for February 290will not take place due to dangerous weather conditions.

“Our first Real Food Harrogate will therefore take place on March 20. We sincerely hope to see you there. 10-3pm, Crescent Gardens, Harrogate.”

Read more:

• Harrogate Hydro reduces opening hours due to staff shortages
• New monthly food market coming to Harrogate

Network Rail is advising people not to travel by train in Yorkshire and the north-east tomorrow.

Matt Rice, north and east route director for Network Rail, said:

“We have extra workers out on the network at key locations, ready to react quickly to Storm Eunice and repair the railway wherever it’s safe to do so.”

RHS Harlow Carr announced on social media today that its gardens will be closed tomorrow.

⚠️ CLOSED Friday 18th Feb: Unfortunately, due to the forecast of more high winds, we've taken the decision to close the garden tomorrow. This is for the safety everyone.

We will be monitoring the situation and hope to open on Saturday, so please check back for further updates. pic.twitter.com/Cl8KhpJI8Z

— RHS Harlow Carr (@RHSHarlowCarr) February 17, 2022

Fountains Abbey said its deer park will close, along with higher paths in the water garden.

The Abbey and Water Garden are open on Fri 18 Feb for quick walks 10am-12pm only. Car parks will close at 1pm. Studley Deer park is CLOSED all day. Visitor centre restaurant (reduced menu) and the shop open 10am-12pm. The higher paths in the water garden are closed all day. pic.twitter.com/KWlUY50zKa

— Fountains Abbey & Studley Royal, National Trust (@fountainsabbey) February 17, 2022

The Stray Ferret will bring you up to date with Storm Eunice developments tomorrow. Keep us informed with developments near you by emailing us at contact@thestrayferret.co.uk.