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.

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:

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.

Strong winds are set to hit the Harrogate district from early this morning and will continue for the rest of the day.

BBC Weather is reporting that gusts of between 40 mph and 45 mph are expected throughout Wednesday.

A weather warning for Storm Dudley has been issued from Wednesday until Friday evening.

Visitor attractions in the district including RHS Harlow Carr and Fountains Abbey have announced they will change their opening hours tomorrow due to the winds.

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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

A flood warning has been issued for Boroughbridge as rain continues to fall in the Harrogate district.

The warning for the Upper River Ouse was issued at 10.10am this morning at the start of what is expected to be a week of storms and rain.

Currently the main threat is just to the east of Boroughbridge but the situation is expected to worsen this afternoon.

The bad weather over the weekend has impacted river levels across the UK. 2 flood warnings have been issued, one in Boroughbridge and another in the Lake District. There are 28 other flood alerts.

Check here: https://t.co/ueaxxWzWWI#Flood #LakeDistrict #Boroughbridge pic.twitter.com/ew5DbhuLhN

— FloodAlerts (@FloodAlerts) February 14, 2022

It is one of two flood warnings nationally, the other one being active in Cumbria.

Less severe flood alerts were removed this morning for the Lower Nidd catchment area and the Lower Ouse but water levels remain high following days of persistent rain.

The government’s flood alert service says of the situation affecting Boroughbridge:

“Flooding of roads and farmland is expected. Areas most at risk are low lying land and roads and riverside foot and cycle paths.

“We expect levels on the River Ouse to rise through Monday and to peak late on Monday afternoon.

“Our incident response staff are closely monitoring the forecast and checking and operating defences as required.

“Please avoid using low lying footpaths near local watercourses and plan driving routes to avoid low lying roads or carparks near rivers, which may be flooded.”

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.

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:

• 140 homes in Harrogate district without power after storm hits
• Storm Malik: Strong winds cause disruption across Harrogate district
• Harrogate landscaping boss tells of lucky escape from falling tree

Forecasted strong winds and rain have prompted the organisers of artisan markets in Harrogate and Knaresborough to cancel this weekend’s events.

Little Bird Artisan Markets was due to stage its monthly Knaresborough market on Saturday.

The organisers were also planning to hold their first regular monthly market in Harrogate’s Valley Gardens on Sunday after a successful Christmas market trial at the same location in December.

Both markets were fully booked by stallholders.

Winds are predicted to reach up to 44mph in the afternoon on both Saturday and Sunday. Storm Malik brought similarly strong winds seven days ago.

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Organisers say they had little choice but to cancel due to concerns over the safety of stallholders and visitors.

Jackie Crozier, managing director of Little Bird Markets, said:

“We are sad about cancelling. The decision was not made lightly but we really do have to put health and safety first.

“We were expecting a busy weekend, our marketing has been strong and the online buzz about the events has been amazing.

“We hoped the weather was going to improve, but we have just had to cancel, and we are devastated.”

Little Bird Markets will be back in Knaresborough on March 5 and Harrogate Valley Gardens on March 6.

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.

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:

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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.”

Higher ground in Nidderdale experienced a white start to Boxing Day this morning.

A yellow weather warning for snow and high winds was in place from shortly after midnight and it did indeed create some treacherous conditions.

This photo shows Greenhow Hill, near Pateley Bridge, in the early hours.

It is one of several this morning on the North Yorkshire Weather Updates Facebook page.

One showed treacherous driving conditions on the road from Blubberhouses to Greenhow Hill.

Current conditions on the road between Blubberhouses and Greenhow Hill. @juliatetley @UKWX_ @UKsnow_updates @bezberesford @JonMitchellITV @Hudsonweather @SimonLeeWx @uksnowmap pic.twitter.com/uz2PEKdr2v

— NorthYorksWeather (@northyorkswx) December 26, 2021

The show appears to have been confined to the west of the Harrogate district and is not expected to last long as wetter weather moves in.

Read more:

• ‘Severe weather’ delays Otley Road cycle path in Harrogate
• Boxing Day snow warning for Harrogate district

North Yorkshire County Council has installed an extra 13 roadside weather stations on remote roads to alert drivers to treacherous road conditions during bad weather.

It means there is now a total of 23 weather stations across the county, powered by solar and wind technology, that display up-to-date images of road conditions on the council’s website.

The Harrogate district is covered by one new station on the A658 Harrogate bypass as well two others in Low Burton, near Masham, and Greenhow Hill near Pateley Bridge.

The images can be monitored by commuters but will also be used by highways teams to track conditions.

“The introduction of more weather stations over recent months marks a huge step forward in our winter service delivery.

“Many of North Yorkshire’s roads pass over the high ground of the Yorkshire Dales and North York Moors, resulting in dangerous driving conditions at times during the winter months.

“The stations broadcast up-to-date images to anybody who views our website. They allow you to see what road conditions are like before you even leave the house.”

The Met Office has issued a yellow warning for strong winds and snow tomorrow in the Harrogate district.

Storm Barra is expected to arrive at 9am and could last until midnight.

A yellow warning for wind has been issued from 9am until midnight and covers most of the district.

Another yellow warning for snow has been issued from 11am until midnight. It suggests snowfall is likely to hit Pateley Bridge and other parts of Nidderdale.

BBC Weather says there is a chance of snow in Harrogate, Knaresborough and Ripon tomorrow afternoon.

The Met Office warns there may be delays to public transport and there is the possibility of power cuts.

Storm Barra comes just over a week since Storm Arwen, which cut electricity to thousands of homes and caused damage to trees and property.

Read more:

• Power cut leaves Harrogate businesses in the dark

• Harrogate Theatre panto returns to the stage today following leak

Harrogate Christmas Fayre begins today. With plenty of stallholders to buy gifts from, attractions to enjoy and festivities to embrace, it looks like being a memorable few days.

Market Place Europe is running the event in conjunction with Harrogate Borough Council from today until December 12.

It is a new venture so there are lots to look out for. The event will be spread out over more locations and days than the previous Harrogate Christmas Market, which took place on Montpellier Hill.

Here is everything you need to know:

Where will the stalls be?

There will be about 50 local and European stallholders on Cambridge Street, Market Place, Station Square and Cambridge Crescent.

For this weekend only there will also be stalls in Valley Gardens, where more than 60 local traders will sell a variety of festive arts and crafts plus food and drink at a separate artisan Christmas market.

When will the fayre be open?

It will be open between 10am and 7pm Monday to Wednesday, 10am and 9pm Thursday to Saturday, and 10am and 4.30pm on Sunday.

Little Bird Made’s Artisan Festive Market in Valley Gardens will be open from 10am to 3pm on Saturday, December 4 and Sunday, December 5.

Do you have to wear a face mask?

Harrogate Borough Council has advised visitors to wear face masks around the fayre and on the free Candy Cane Express road train, which will shuttle people around town.

A map of the Christmas road train.

The government brought in new rules this week stipulating people must wear face coverings in shops, shopping centres, transport hubs and on public transport.

Children under 11 and those with a health condition or disability which means they cannot wear a face covering are exempt.

What will the weather be like?

According to the Met Office, outbreaks of rains and drizzle will clear in the morning to leave a largely dry day. It will be cloudy at first with some brighter spells in the afternoon.

Temperatures are set to increase tomorrow but it is not set to stay mild for long.

From then we are set for a chilly weekend with some sunny spells and showers. It will be occasionally windy with some rain and snow possible on Monday morning.

Will there be rides and transport?

A free road train will take visitors around Harrogate from today as part of the Harrogate Christmas Fayre.

The Candy Cane Express will stop at James Street, St Mary’s Walk and Crescent Road. It will also pass Montpellier Hill, Cheltenham Parade, Station Parade and Victoria Avenue.

Not only that but there are also festive rides, including a carousel and ferris wheels at Crescent Garden and a helter skelter at the war memorial. All of those rides cost £3 for a ticket.

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

Free parking at Harrogate multi-storey

Parking will be free after 3pm in Harrogate’s Victoria multi-storey car park on Mondays, Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Thursdays.

The initiative will last until December 23 and will be paid for by Harrogate Business Improvement District to encourage Christmas shoppers and revellers into the town midweek.