A Harrogate woman who found a dog tied up outside a supermarket during the heatwave today has condemned the owner.

Lizzie Meakes went to shop at Morrisons in Starbeck when she found the dog near the entrance at about 2pm.

The temperature at the time was close to 30 degrees centigrade on what is likely to be one of the hottest days of the year.

Worried about the dog’s panting, Ms Meakes asked staff at Morrisons to get water for him to drink and pat on his back to cool off.

She stayed with the dog for 30 minutes until she had to return to work, and the owner still did not return. Staff at Morrisons also helped to look after the dog.

Ms Meakes told the Stray Ferret:

“Bless him. He just look so distressed and couldn’t catch a breath without any water in sight. I held his paw which was wet through with sweat.

“I just felt so sorry for him, if I could have taken him home I would have.

“I do not understand what the owner needed so desperately from the shop to leave their dog out in this heat.”

Read more:

• Harrogate district records highest covid rate since start of pandemic
• How to keep running in a heatwave

Lizzie with her dog Rosie.

Social media has been awash with posts by people concerned about the welfare of animals during the heatwave.

But they appear to have gone unheeded by the unidentified dog owner.

Ms Meakes put a post about her experience on the Facebook group Harrogate Host to spread the word, and more than a hundred people have so far commented.

The Harrogate district is finally emerging from weeks of sub-zero conditions, as temperatures begin to rise.

The Met Office forecasts 11 degrees centigrade tomorrow, which will feel balmy after the recent freeze.

Temperatures failed to reach double figures throughout January, and February has seen little improvement with Met Office weather warnings for snow and ice almost constantly in place.

Professional photographer Lissa Peakman captured these amazing images of ice forming on land and fences near Ross Bridge, on Darley Road in Birstwith on Friday.

Any lingering snow and ice is likely to vanish soon as warmer air moves in.

Temperatures could be as high as 14 degrees next weekend as winter begins to give way for spring.

Read more:

• Snow forces extended closure of Whinney Lane
• Harrogate district braced for snow as Storm Darcy hits

Snow is continuing to fall across the Harrogate district today, the Met Office has said it will continue into the evening.

North Yorkshire County Council has urged people to plan ahead for their journey, reminding them to take care on the roads with more snow forecast.

The Met Office has a yellow warning for snow in place for the district. It has forecast further snowfall and temperatures could feel as low as -7 degrees this evening.

I’m back with you this afternoon offering updates. If you do venture out and it’s safe to do so, please send us your road updates on social media or email using contact@thestrayferret.co.uk.

5pm – Full Update

The Harrogate district is bracing for a cold night ahead as temperatures are set to drop to as low as -5º.

Snow is also forecast to continue to fall off and on throughout the night, contributing to the cold feeling.

While it may not be the coldest night of the year so far the Met Office expects that to come on Wednesday night.

• A yellow snow warning is still in place for the district until Wednesday evening.
• Roads are still looking clear around Harrogate, we have received no traffic alerts.
• North Yorkshire County Council and the Fire Service have echoed lockdown restrictions to only travel if essential and asked drivers to be careful.

3.30pm – Full Update

• RHS Harlow Carr is opening to reopen tomorrow after today’s flurry of snow. Managers will determine in the morning if it is safe.

We are hoping to open tomorrow, but due to the snow and ice we will take a view on this in the morning. If you have a ticket booked, please check our website after 9.00am, before you set out: https://t.co/QTc8CNIzHq
Please remember we're only open to local visitors for exercise pic.twitter.com/84Xoigeo9q

— RHS Harlow Carr (@RHSHarlowCarr) February 8, 2021

2.00pm – Full Update

• Dacre Braitwaite School in Summerbridge has closed due to the snow. We have received no further school closure notifications.
• The Met Office forecast is predicting more snow for the next hour with temperatures dropping to below zero this afternoon.
• A yellow snow warning is still in place for the district until Wednesday evening. In South Yorkshire an amber warning is in place.
• Roads are still looking clear around Harrogate, we have received no traffic alerts.
• North Yorkshire County Council and the Fire Service have echoed lockdown restrictions to only travel if essential and asked drivers to be careful.

1.30pm – Full Update

• Weather forecasts are predicting temperatures could feel as low as -7 degrees this evening with snow continuing to fall.
• The roads still look clear around Harrogate but local authorities have urged drivers to be careful.
• A yellow snow warning is still in place for the district. In South Yorkshire an amber warning is in place.

1.00pm – Full Update

• Light snow fall is continuing across much of the district, the forecast is expecting this to continue into the evening.
• Dacre Braitwaite School in Summerbridge has closed due to the snow. We have received no further school closure notifications.
• With temperatures expected to drop below zero this afternoon North Yorkshire County Council and the Fire Service have asked drivers to be careful on the roads.

12.30pm – Full Update

• With snow continuing to fall this afternoon the updates are back, please continue to get in touch with us on social media or via email and tell us how it is near you.
• Dacre Braitwaite School in Summerbridge has closed due to the snow.
• Temperatures have dropped to 0 degrees in the area, according to the Met Office, snow is expected to continue into the evening.
• North Yorkshire County Council and the Fire Service have asked drivers to be careful on the roads.
• The roads are still looking clear, we haven’t received any reports of traffic.

12.16pm – Primary school closes due to the snow

Dacre Braithwaite C of E Primary School is Summerbridge has closed today due to the snow.

9.00am – Full Update

• I’m moving back across to the daily news desk now but I will be keeping an eye on the snow throughout the day. Please let us know about any snow updates on your doorstep.
• A yellow warning of snow remains in place for the district. The Met Office is expecting more snow to fall during the day.
• Schools are expected to open as usual this morning, but make sure to check your school website if your child is going in to the classroom today.
• Roads continue to look clear around Harrogate. But, please get in touch and let us know how it is looking near you.
• The flood warnings in the Lower River Nidd and Ure are no longer in place on the Environment Agency website.
• North Yorkshire County Council has urged people to only travel if essential and take care on the roads today.
• RHS Harlow Carr has already confirmed, via Twitter, it will be closed today due to the snow.

08.45am – Full Update

• The Met Office has forecast more snow in the next hour or so with temperatures feeling like -7 degrees.
• The Met Office yellow warning for snow remains in place until Wednesday evening.
• Schools are expected to open as usual this morning, but make sure to check your school website if your child is going in to the classroom today.
• North Yorkshire County Council has urged people to only travel if essential and take care on the roads today.

08.43am – North Yorkshire Fire Service says be careful on the roads

North Yorkshire Fire and Rescue Service has warned residents to allow extra time for their journey today.

With more snow forecast for this afternoon the service is asking people to take care on the roads.

There's lots of snow in parts of the county again today. If you have to travel please remember to allow extra time for your journey. #DrivetoArrive

— North Yorkshire Fire & Rescue Service (@NorthYorksFire) February 8, 2021

8.30am – Full Update 

• A yellow warning of snow remains in place from the Met Office, more snow is forecast to fall throughout the day.
• With no school closure notifications received yet, we are expecting local schools to remain open for vulnerable and key worker children today.
• Roads continue to look clear around Harrogate. But, please get in touch and let us know how it is looking near you.
• The Environment Agency (EA) has a two flood alerts in place nearby. The Lower River Ure near Ripon and Boroughbridge and, further South, the Lower River Nidd near Tockwith are under alerts – meaning flooding is possible.

8.15am – Full Update

• The Environment Agency (EA) has a two flood alerts in place nearby. The Lower River Ure near Ripon and Boroughbridge and, further South, the Lower River Nidd near Tockwith are under alerts – meaning flooding is possible.
• Light snow is still falling in some areas of the district.
• The forecast for heavier snow remains in place on the Met Office website. It predicts more snow will fall from 10am.
• We have not received any school closure notifications so far this morning.
• North Yorkshire County Council has urged people to only travel if essential and take care on the roads today.

8.00am – Full Update

• Light snow continues to fall in some areas of the district.
• Without any school closure notifications yet it seems they are all hopeful to open today.
• North Yorkshire County Council has urged people to only travel if essential and take care on the roads today.
• Temperatures remain low this morning at around -1 degrees.
• The forecast for heavier snow remains in place on the Met Office website. It predicts more snow will fall from 10am.

7.45am – Full Update 

• Snow is due to get heavier later this morning. The Met Office has forecast more snow for 10am.
• Roads continue to look clear around Harrogate. But, please get in touch and let us know how it is looking near you.
• The Stray Ferret has not received any school closure notifications so far this morning.
• RHS Harlow Carr has already confirmed, via Twitter, it will be closed today due to the snow.

7.30am – Full Update

• Roads are looking clear so far this morning, let us know what they are like on your doorstep.
• North Yorkshire County Council has urged people should only travel if essential and take care on the roads today.
• The Stray Ferret has not received any school closure notifications so far this morning.
• The Environment Agency (EA) has a flood alert in place for the Lower River Ure near Ripon and Boroughbridge – meaning flooding is possible.
• The Met Office has a yellow warning in place for snow, with more expected to fall around 10am this morning.

7.13am – County Council asks people to stay safe on roads 

North Yorkshire County Council has said people should continue following lockdown rules and only travel if essential.

With the yellow warning of snow in place, the council has told people to take extra care on the roads if they choose to travel.

A @metoffice yellow #weatherwarning for #snow and #ice is in place for #NorthYorkshire until 12noon on Wednesday. #StormDarcy

Please only travel if your journey is essential and take extra care if you do travel.

Find out more ⬇️https://t.co/VHQG5RQ7Lx pic.twitter.com/YzI1z1zGO6

— North Yorkshire Council (@northyorksc) February 8, 2021

7.00am – Full Update 

• Snow is beginning to fall again this morning and temperatures remain low at around -1 degrees. Stay safe on the roads.
• RHS Harlow Carr has already confirmed, via Twitter, it will be closed today due to the snow.
• The Met Office has forecast heavier snow for around 10am in the district.

6.45am – Full Update 

• Roads are looking clear so far this morning.
• The Met Office has forecast heavier snow for around 10am in the district.
• The Environment Agency (EA) has a flood alert in place for the Lower River Ure near Ripon and Boroughbridge – meaning flooding is possible.

6.30am – Full Update 

• Roads look clear so far this morning.
• The Met Office has a yellow warning in place for snow, with more expected to fall this morning.
• Schools are expected to close as more snow falls this morning.

The Environment Agency has issued a flood warning for a caravan park in Boroughbridge this evening.   The agency says it is watching levels of the River Ure carefully and warned the Roecliffe Caravan Park area is most at risk.

On its website the agency said drivers should avoid low lying roads close to river:

The flood warnings come after relentless rain.  A Met Office yellow weather warning for snow and ice continues to be in place for the Harrogate district tonight and tomorrow.

Temperatures are set to fall over the next 24 hours with heavy snow in parts of the UK as the country experiences some of the coldest weather since the “Beast from the East” in 2018.  The weather front which has been name Storm Darcy has been dubbed “The Beast from the East 2”.

It may be that the district avoids the worst of the beast which is forecast to be more severe in the south and east of England.

Temperatures though are not expected to rise above zero degrees celsius in the district for much of tomorrow with snow showers expected.

Read More: 

• Hidden Gem:  Harrogate shop that’s more than a greengrocer 
• Elderly man died in fatal Harrogate car accident

Continuing snow showers over the next 48 hours and freezing temperatures may mean traffic disruption on Monday morning.

For full information on school closures and traffic disruption make sure you follow the Stray Ferret – we’ll have regular updates from early Monday morning if the storm affects us. 

The Harrogate district woke up this morning to a heavy covering of snow, causing travel disruption and school closures.

Gritters were out across the district last night and early this morning to help any drivers with essential travel.

Snow started before dawn this morning and the Met Office predicts that it will continue until 12pm.

From 2pm forecasters predict heavy rain, which should help clear away the snow.

Keep refreshing this page throughout the day for the latest on the snow disruption.

2.05pm – Meet St George’s snow dragon

A 10-year-old girl called Alice has been rather creative in the snow today.

She sculpted her own version of St George’s dragon out of the snow by Ripon Cathedral.

Great job, Alice!

Well done to 10 year old Alice for her fabulous snow creation of St George’s dragon! @engcathedrals @RiponDean @LeedsCofE @AilsaNewby pic.twitter.com/IFxoI2b6cB

— Ripon Cathedral (@riponcathedral) February 2, 2021

2pm – Household waste recycling centres reopen

North Yorkshire County Council has reopened its household waste recycling centres in the Harrogate district.

Ripon, Harrogate and West Harrogate sites are now open after closing for the snow this morning.

#Ripon, #Harrogate and West Harrogate household waste recycling centres are open.#Leyburn and #Skipton remain closed.

Find more information about household waste recycling centres here. ⬇️https://t.co/llRAH0z30s pic.twitter.com/sPxWsS8DOn

— North Yorkshire Council (@northyorksc) February 2, 2021

1.50pm – More bus services running

We have just received another update from the Harrogate Bus Company.

The 8 between Harrogate, Knaresborough and Wetherby is now running again.

https://twitter.com/harrogatebus/status/1356594194840748034

1pm – Harrogate district buses update

The Harrogate Bus Company has just tweeted an update for its routes today.

• 1A can now reach St James Retail Park
• 1C can now reach all stops
• 1D still unable to reach The Pastures Estate

It is also hoping to have an update on the 1B soon.

12pm – Harrogate district covered by two weather warnings

The Met Office currently has two yellow weather warnings in place for the Harrogate district.

The amber warning for snow has now passed on the forecaster’s map.

However, a yellow warning for rain and a yellow warning for snow and ice both remain in place.

11.30am – Otley Road at Harlow Hill ‘impassable’

North Yorkshire Police has warned that the snow has made Otley Road, Harrogate at Harlow Hill impassable for motorists.

The police have tweeted that people should avoid the road until further notice.

***SNOW DISRUPTION***

Otley Road in #Harrogate at Harlow Hill is currently impassable due to snow.

Motorists are urged to avoid the area until further notice.

Listen to local radio for the latest traffic and travel information. pic.twitter.com/8WfknkK9Iz

— North Yorkshire Police (@NYorksPolice) February 2, 2021

11.15am – More buses running in Harrogate district

The Harrogate Bus Company has said that more of its services are running again, with some serving a reduced route.

• 36 running as normal
• 7 running as normal
• 1 running between Harrogate and Knaresborough bus station only
• 21 running on the A6055 between Knaresborough and Boroughbridge, currently unable to serve villages

However the 24 to Pateley Bridge and the 8 between Harrogate, Knaresborough and Wetherby are still unable to run.

11am – Recap on how snow hit Harrogate district

Schools, roads, vaccine sites and household waste recycling centres all closed today in the Harrogate district due to the snow.

Police closed the A61 in Bishop Monkton this morning after a serious crash. Officers are currently waiting for recovery.

The vaccine centres in Harrogate and Ripon closed this morning, with jabs rescheduled for another time.

As the snow eases across the district the CCG which runs the centres hopes to continue with the vaccines scheduled for the afternoon.

North Yorkshire County Council has closed the household waste recycling centres in Harrogate, West Harrogate and Ripon.

Here is the county council’s full list of school closures:

• Rossett Acre Primary School
• Admiral Long Primary School
• All Saints, Kirkby Overblow and North Rigton Schools
• Austwick CE VA Primary School and Nursery
• Bilton Grange Primary School
• Birstwith CE Primary School
• Brooklands Special School
• Carnagill Primary School
• Coppice Valley Primary School
• Dacre Braithwaite Primary School
• Darley and Summerbridge Primary Schools
• Ermysted’s Grammar School, Skipton
• Forest Moor School
• Fountains Earth CE Primary School
• Gillamoor Primary School
• Goathland Primary School
• Goldsborough and Sicklinghall Primary Schools
• Grassington Primary School
• Green Hammerton CE Primary School
• Grewelthorpe and Fountains CE Primary Schools
• Harrogate St Joseph’s Catholic Primary School
• Hipswell C of E Primary School
• Kettlesing Felliscliffe Community Primary
• Killinghall CoE Primary School
• Kirkby Malzeard C of E School and St Nicholas C of E School West Tanfield
• Long Marston CE Primary
• Lothersdale Primary School
• Markington Primary School
• Melsonby Primary School
• Michael Syddall CE Primary School
• Middleham VA CE Primary School
• Mowbray School, Bedale
• Oatlands Junior School
• Reeth and Gunnerside Schools
• Riverside School, Tadcaster
• Sherburn High School
• Sherburn Hungate Primary School
• Skipton Parish Church Primary School
• South Craven School
• Spofforth and Follifoot Primary Schools
• St Peter’s CE Primary School, Harrogate
• Staveley CP School
• Sutton in Craven CP School
• Tadcaster Grammar School
• The Dales Special School
• The Holy Family Catholic High School, Carlton
• The Skipton Academy
• Trinity Academy Middleton Tyas
• Trinity Academy Richmond
• Upper Wharfedale School
• Western Primary School
• Willow Tree Primary School
• St Mary’s Catholic Primary School
• Ravensworth, East Cowton and Kirkby Fleetham Schools
• Castleton and Glaisdale schools
• Ripley Endowed Primary School
• Bainbridge, Askrigg and West Burton Primary Schools
• Leyburn Primary School
• Mowbray Ripon
• The Forest School
• Selby PLP

10.45am – Bishop Monkton road set to reopen

North Yorkshire Police is set to reopen the A61 in Bishop Monkton.

The force closed the road at around 8am after a serious crash. Currently officers are waiting for recovery.

It’s still unclear how many vehicles were involved or if there were any injuries.

We will now be looking to reopen the road #A61#BishopMonkton once recovery is complete. Thank you for your patience

— NorthYorksPolice RPG (@NYorksRPG) February 2, 2021

10.30am – Cedar Court in the snow

Thanks to Pam for sending in this picture of the cedar at Cedar Court Hotel in the snow this morning.

Send in your snaps of snow from across the Harrogate district to contact@thestrayferret.co.uk.

10.10am – Harrogate bus 36 running again

The Harrogate Bus Company is running the 36 route again after a morning of disruption.

There had been issues because of the snow between Ripon, Harrogate and Leeds.

✅ We're now able to run #The36 between Ripon, Harrogate and Leeds. Thanks for bearing with us. pic.twitter.com/8r1tBIDows

— The Harrogate Bus Company (@harrogatebus) February 2, 2021

9.50am – Household waste recycling centres close

North Yorkshire County Council has closed its household waste recycling centres today.

Sites in Harrogate, West Harrogate and Ripon have shut their gates due to the snow.

The following household waste recycling centres are currently closed due to #snow.

•#Catterick Bridge
•#Harrogate
•West Harrogate
•#Ripon
•#Leyburn
•#Settle
•#Skipton pic.twitter.com/szFQkSQ9Wh

— North Yorkshire Council (@northyorksc) February 2, 2021

9.40am – Even more school closures

North Yorkshire County Council has released its full list of school closures after a morning of heavy snow.

• Rossett Acre Primary School
• Admiral Long Primary School
• All Saints, Kirkby Overblow and North Rigton Schools
• Austwick CE VA Primary School and Nursery
• Bilton Grange Primary School
• Birstwith CE Primary School
• Brooklands Special School
• Carnagill Primary School
• Coppice Valley Primary School
• Dacre Braithwaite Primary School
• Darley and Summerbridge Primary Schools
• Ermysted’s Grammar School, Skipton
• Forest Moor School
• Fountains Earth CE Primary School
• Gillamoor Primary School
• Goathland Primary School
• Goldsborough and Sicklinghall Primary Schools
• Grassington Primary School
• Green Hammerton CE Primary School
• Grewelthorpe and Fountains CE Primary Schools
• Harrogate St Joseph’s Catholic Primary School
• Hipswell C of E Primary School
• Kirkby Malzeard C of E School and St Nicholas C of E School West Tanfield
• Long Marston CE Primary
• Lothersdale Primary School
• Markington Primary School
• Melsonby Primary School
• Michael Syddall CE Primary School
• Middleham VA CE Primary School
• Mowbray School, Bedale
• Oatlands Junior SchoolReeth and Gunnerside Schools
• Riverside School, Tadcaster
• Sherburn High School
• Sherburn Hungate Primary School
• Skipton Parish Church Primary School
• South Craven School
• Spofforth and Follifoot Primary Schools
• St Peter’s CE Primary School, Harrogate
• Staveley CP School
• Sutton in Craven CP School
• Tadcaster Grammar School
• The Dales Special School
• The Holy Family Catholic High School, Carlton
• The Skipton Academy
• Trinity Academy Middleton Tyas
• Trinity Academy Richmond
• Upper Wharfedale School
• Western Primary School
• Willow Tree Primary School
• St Mary’s Catholic Primary School
• Ravensworth, East Cowton and Kirkby Fleetham Schools

9.30am – Pictures of Harrogate district in snow

Send in your snaps of snow from across the Harrogate district to contact@thestrayferret.co.uk.

Blubberhouses in the snow. Photo: Deborah P

Keith and Annette Stainthorpe taking their morning exercise on Ripon Market Square with their 5-year-old Cockerpoo, Coco, who they say, ‘absolutely adores this snowy weather’.

Harrogate snowman with binmen collecting this morning.

The Stray in Harrogate in the snow this morning.

Bishop Monkton in the snow. Photo: Cathie Hague

Kex Gill in the snow.

Ripon Cathedral sitting pretty in the white stuff.

A great early snowman. Photo: Craig Wraight

9am – Bin and recycling collections still going ahead

Harrogate Borough Council has said its recycling and bin collections are going ahead as planned today.

The crews hope to complete all their rounds today weather permitting. Last month, the council stood down its crews due to heavy snow.

Hello. Crews are out as usual this morning. We will complete all rounds weather conditions permitting. ^Andy

— Harrogate Borough Council (@Harrogatebc) February 2, 2021

8.50am – Fountains Abbey closes due to snow

Fountains Abbey and Studley Royal is closed today due to the heavy snow.

The National Trust site tweeted this morning to say the surrounding roads are dangerous in the snow and ice.

Anyone who has a ticket for today will receive a cancellation email.

8.30am – Serious crash closes Bishop Monkton road

North Yorkshire Police has closed the A61 in Bishop Monkton to deal with a serious crash.

The police have not said how many vehicles are involved or how long the road is likely to stay closed.

Road currently closed #A61 #BishopMonkton due to serious RTC . Hopefully we can update you soon how long it is likely to be closed #donttravelunlessneeded

— NorthYorksPolice RPG (@NYorksRPG) February 2, 2021

8.20am – Bus cancellations across Harrogate district

The Harrogate Bus Company has stopped some of its buses across the district this morning due to snow.

• 7 – between Harrogate, Wetherby and Leeds
• 8 – between Harrogate, Knaresborough and Wetherby
• 21 – between Knaresborough and Boroughbridge
• 24 – between Harrogate and Pateley Bridge
• 1 – between Harrogate, Starbeck and Knaresborough
• Flyer A2 – between Harrogate and Leeds Bradford Airport

8.15am – More school closures

As the snow continues to fall in the Harrogate district more schools are announcing closures. Here’s our list so far:

• St Peter’s CE Primary School, Harrogate
• Richard Taylor Primary School, Harrogate
• All Saints Primary School, Kirkby Overblow and North Rigton Schools
• Western Primary School, Harrogate
• Oatlands Infant School, Harrogate
• Ripley Primary School
• Springwell Harrogate
• St Joseph’s Harrogate
• Killinghall Primary School
• Willow Tree Primary, Harrogate
• Harrogate College

8.10am – Send in your pictures of the snow

There may be plenty of disruption this morning as a result of the weather but it does bring some opportunities for great pictures.

Send in your snaps of snow from across the Harrogate district to contact@thestrayferret.co.uk.

We will share them on our social media and on this live blog throughout the day.

8am – Drive safely on roads, say police

North Yorkshire Police has warned drivers across the Harrogate district to drive safely in the snow.

The force’s traffic bureau tweeted this morning asking people to leave plenty of distance between their cars.

There is heavy snowfall across the county this morning. Please leave plenty of distance from the vehicle in front, clear your vehicle completely of snow if your travel is essential. A19 from Thirsk and York is passable but completely covered with snow at the moment.

— N Yorks Police Traffic Bureau & Road Safety Team (@NYTrafficBureau) February 2, 2021

7.30am – Snow forces Harlow Carr to close

RHS Garden Harlow Carr and Garden Centre is closed today due to the heavy snow.

Anyone who has booked tickets should send an email to harlowcarr@rhs.org.uk to request a refund.

Unfortunately due to this evenings forecast of heavy snow, RHS Garden Harlow Carr and Garden Centre will be closed tomorrow, Tuesday 2nd February.

We apologise for any inconvenience caused. If you have paid for tickets, please contact harlowcarr@rhs.org.uk to arrange a refund. pic.twitter.com/TnfHG2KTPn

— RHS Harlow Carr (@RHSHarlowCarr) February 1, 2021

7am – School closures due to snow

The heavy snow has forced headteachers to shut schools, which are open to key worker children and vulnerable learners.

Here’s the list we have so far of school closures:

• St Peter’s CE Primary School, Harrogate
• Richard Taylor Primary School, Harrogate
• All Saints Primary School, Kirkby Overblow and North Rigton Schools
• Western Primary School, Harrogate
• Oatlands Infant School, Harrogate
• Ripley Primary School – Delayed opening until 10am

6.50am – Coronavirus vaccine centres closed

The vaccination centres at the Great Yorkshire Showground in Harrogate and Ripon racecourse are closed.

Only those with appoinments between 8am and 12.45pm will have to go another time.

Appointments for the afternoon are still due to go ahead as planned.

After one of the coldest Januarys of recent years in the Harrogate district, February is set to usher in more snow.

A Met Office weather warning for snow and ice is in force from 10pm tonight until 23.59pm tomorrow.

Snow is due to start falling in the Harrogate district at about 4am and is expected to last until afternoon, when it turns to rain.

The Met Office says the conditions are likely to lead to ‘difficult travelling conditions’.

The Stray Ferret will keep readers up to date with the latest weather and travel news tomorrow.

The covid vaccination sites in Harrogate and Ripon have already postponed morning appointments in anticipation of difficult travel conditions.

Read more:

• Snow fears close Harrogate and Ripon vaccination sites tomorrow
• Council warns against driving to Harrogate district beauty spots

Some schools have also warned parents their plans to open on time may be affected.

The temperature did not rise into double figures at all in Harrogate during January.

Judging by the two-week forecast, that may not change for the first half of February at least.

Send us your weather updates and images tomorrow to contact@thestrayferret.co.uk.

Two Met Office weather warnings are in place for the Harrogate district this week as the prolonged cold spell maintains its grip.

A yellow warning for snow is effective until midnight tonight, although it seems any snowfall will be mainly confined to higher ground.

A second, potentially more disruptive yellow warning for snow is also in place from the start of Thursday until 6am on Friday.

The second warning says there could be heavy snowfall across the hills, which may bring significant disruption to travel. The Met Office adds:

“There is a small chance of travel delays on roads with some stranded vehicles and passengers, along with delayed or cancelled rail and air travel

“There is a slight chance that some rural communities could become cut off.”

Neil Armstrong, the Met Office chief meteorologist, said:

“Late on Wednesday a weather front moves north eastwards across the UK bringing rain, which turns to snow as it pushes further north and meets with colder air.”

Although the weekend weather looks calmer, temperatures are not forecast to rise above eight degrees centigrade for the next two weeks.

More than two inches of rain are forecast to fall in some northern areas over the next 48 hours as Storm Christoph arrives.

An amber warning for rain became active at 6am this morning and is due to be in force until 12pm on Thursday.

The Met Office has warned people in Yorkshire and the Humber, the North West, East Midlands and the east of England to expect heavy rain and potential floods.

The west of the district is expected to be worse affected. A less severe yellow warning is active for the east of the district.

Heavy rainfall combined with some snowmelt across the hills is likely to cause flooding.

The amber warning says homes and businesses could be flooded and fast flowing and deep water could cause danger to life.

Some communities could be cut off and power cuts are also possible.

Read more:

• Appeal for patience as council refills grit bins
• Flood alerts issued as heavy rain forecast for Harrogate district

The Met Office has put a yellow warning for snow and ice in place from midnight tonight until Saturday evening meaning the Harrogate district could see snow once again.

Yesterday’s snow is continuing to make travel and opening schools difficult today with many of the district’s roads still covered in ice.

North Yorkshire County Council pounded the roads with gritters overnight but insists icy conditions cannot be avoided and people should only travel if essential.

Keep refreshing this live blog for updates throughout the day for school closures and road conditions.

4pm – Road closure to fix water problems in Harrogate

Yorkshire Water is planning to close Crescent Road in Harrogate to fix a burst main.

Resident in the HG1 area of town have had issues with water for most of the day as a result of the burst.

The water company expects to fix the problem by late afternoon.

#CrescentRoad #HG1 #Harrogate

Sorry to all our customers that are experiencing issues with their water due to a burst main. We are presently awaiting for traffic management to arrive before we can continue further with repairs, and will update as we receive further information. pic.twitter.com/8Su3HXJ6lb

— Yorkshire Water Help (@YWHelp) January 15, 2021

3.30pm – Harrogate council suspends waste and recycling collections

Harrogate Borough Council has suspended its waste and recycling collections for today and tomorrow.

In a tweet, the authority said:

“Where we can, we will do our best to collect any outstanding household waste next week.

“Unfortunately, any outstanding recycling won’t be collected until the next scheduled recycling collection date.”

Use bags and cardboard boxes to store any additional recycling you may have as a result of the delays.

2.30pm – Covid vaccines rescheduled due to the snow

Covid vaccinations due to be given at the Great Yorkshire Showground in Harrogate tomorrow will be rescheduled because of the weather.

The snowfall forecast for tonight is forcing North Yorkshire Clinical Commissioning Group (CCG) to reschedule all its appointments for the same time on Sunday.

12.43pm – Harrogate Town match postponed

The team’s fixture against Exeter City was due to kick off tomorrow at 3pm. Following a pitch inspection by an ERL referee today it has had to be postponed.

Harrogate Town has said the pitch is currently under heavy snow and with tomorrow’s forecast looking to get worse the decision has been made to postpone the game.

❌ | Tomorrow's @SkyBetLeagueTwo fixture against @OfficialECFC has been postponed following a pitch inspection

Due to the recent snowfall, it has been decided the pitch will not be playable by 3pm Saturday#ProudToBeTown

— Harrogate Town AFC (@HarrogateTown) January 15, 2021

12.14pm – Knaresborough 1B bus returns to full route 

The Harrogate Bus Company is now able to run its full route between Harrogate, Knaresborough Bus station and Eastfield.

To find out if your local service is running check the Transdev app.

Good news! 1B is now able to run it's full route between Harrogate, Knaresborough Bus station and Eastfield

Thank you for your patience during this time, keep up to date through our app Transdev Go here https://t.co/PxPTgD0hZI pic.twitter.com/jc0HBEJ3sz

— The Harrogate Bus Company (@harrogatebus) January 15, 2021

12.04pm – Harlow Carr remains closed tomorrow

RHS Harlow Carr and its garden centre will remain closed tomorrow due to the snow forecast overnight.

Unfortunately due to continued heavy snowfall and icy conditions, RHS Garden Harlow Carr and Garden Centre will remain closed on Sat 16th January.

We apologise for any inconvenience caused. If you have paid for tickets, please contact harlowcarr@rhs.org.uk to arrange a refund. pic.twitter.com/hYrds63E5s

— RHS Harlow Carr (@RHSHarlowCarr) January 15, 2021

11.46am – A59 is open but police warn of black ice

North Yorkshire Police Traffic Bureau has answered local enquiries about the conditions on the A59. It says it is open and passable but warns drivers to take care of the black ice.

The force is once again insisting it is only to be used for essential travel.

*WEATHER UPDATE*We are receiving enquires regarding the road conditions around #Craven area#A59 is open and the road is passable with care. Due to low temp (-6)there is black ice in places so drive carefully & leave space from the vehicle in front.

Only travel if essential. pic.twitter.com/zOFtgFR3Ja

— N Yorks Police Traffic Bureau & Road Safety Team (@NYTrafficBureau) January 15, 2021

11.26am – Met Office warns of more snow tonight

The Met Office has put a yellow warning in place for snow and ice overnight. The warning is in place from midnight until 6pm tomorrow.

The Harrogate district has been covered by this warning, meaning a band of “heavy snow” could return tonight.

The Met Office warning covers the district. Photograph: Met Office

11.01am – A59 near Harrogate ‘slippery in places but passable’

North Yorkshire Police Traffic Bureau has said the A59 section near Harrogate is passable but still icy and slippery.

The police force have encouraged people to only travel if essential whilst the wintery conditions last.

A59 between Harrogate & Skipton is icy and slippery in places but passable. Lots of snow on higher ground.

A56 Broughton into Lancashire is clear and not much snow & ice.

— N Yorks Police Traffic Bureau & Road Safety Team (@NYTrafficBureau) January 15, 2021

10.57am – London to Harrogate trains cancelled 

Signalling failures around Harrogate are continuing to cause mayhem for scheduled trains. LNER has released a list of those trains disrupted.

https://twitter.com/LNER/status/1350027023176101888

10.54am – Harrogate HELP reminds people it is there for them whilst stuck indoors

Harrogate HELP has reminded people, via its twitter, that whether its the snow or coronavirus restrictions keeping you indoors it is there to help.

The charity has said the snow is heightening anxiety for some people and it wants to offer them support.

Whilst this snow is picturesque, it's also adding to anxiety for some local residents struggling whilst having to stay at home. A reminder that we're here for you on both a practical & emotional level at this difficult time.#Harrogate #Ripon #HereToHelp pic.twitter.com/4LFDvaTHvk

— HELP charity #HereToHELP (@HELP_Harrogate) January 15, 2021

10.42am – Updated School closures 

A number of schools have already announced they will remain closed to all today, including the children of key workers, as a result of the snow.

All have said the road conditions make it unsuitable to open.

• Admiral C of E Primary School, Harrogate
• All Saints C of E Primary School, Kirkby Overblow
• Beckwithshaw Primary School
• Bilton Grange Primary School, Harrogate
• Birstwith C of E Primary School, Harrogate
• Boroughbridge Primary School
• Dacre Braithwaite C of E Primary School, Summerbridge
• Darley Community Primary School, Harrogate
• Dishforth C of E Primary School
• Dishforth Airfield Primary School
• Follifoot C of E Primary School, Harrogate
• Fountains C of E Primary School, Ripon
• Grewelthorpe C of E Primary School, Ripon
• Kettlesing Felliscliffe Community Primary School, Harrogate
• Killinghall C of E Primary School
• Markington C of E Primary School
• Nidderdale High School
• North Rigton C of E Primary School
• Oatlands Infant School, Harrogate
• Oatlands Junior School, Harrogate
• Pannal Primary School
• Richard Taylor C of E Primary School, Harrogate
• Ripley Endowed Primary School, Harrogate
• Roecliffe C of E Primary School, Boroughbridge
• Rossett Acre Primary School, Harrogate
• Saltergate Infant School, Harrogate
• Saltergate Junior School, Harrogate
• Spofforth C of E Primary School
• Springwater School, Starbeck
• St Joseph’s Catholic Primary School, Harrogate
• St Mary’s Catholic Primary School, Knaresborough
• St Nicholas C of E Primary School, West Tanfield
• St Peter’s C of E Primary School, Harrogate
• Scotton Lingerfield Primary School
• Summerbridge Community Primary School
• The Forest School, Knaresborough

10.40am – Fountains Abbey and Studley Royal to stay closed through tomorrow 

Fountains Abbey and Studley Royal has announced it will close tomorrow due to the weather.

It said customers who have booked to visit the grounds will receive an email.

Due to the ongoing snowy and icy weather, Fountains Abbey & Studley Royal – including the deer park – will be closed tomorrow, Saturday 16 January. If you have booked to visit, you will receive a cancellation email shortly. Please check the website for further updates.

— Fountains Abbey & Studley Royal, National Trust (@fountainsabbey) January 15, 2021

10.08am – Harrogate and Ripon recycling centres close

North Yorkshire County Council has closed recycling centres in Harrogate and Ripon today due to the snow.

⚠️Household waste recycling centres.⚠️#Harrogate, #Leyburn, #Ripon, West Harrogate, #Catterick Bridge, #Skipton, #Leeming Bar and #Northallerton household waste recycling centres are closed.

Other sites are open, but please only use them if essential. pic.twitter.com/AHmmd8uJD8

— North Yorkshire Council (@northyorksc) January 15, 2021

10.01am – Faulty signalling in Harrogate causes delays to LNER services

A signalling fault in Harrogate is causing delays to the LNER services. The train operator has said trains may be delayed by up to 45 minutes, cancelled or revised.

LNER has also said its services are not running between Leeds and Harrogate. The operator has told commuters to use Northern services instead.

https://twitter.com/LNER/status/1350002497553883136

09.54am – Harrogate College closed today

Students will be working online today as Harrogate College closes for the second day in a row.

College will be closed again today. Online learning will continue as normal.

— Harrogate College (@HarrogateColl) January 15, 2021

09.48am – Harrogate book shop suspends click and collect

Imagined Things Bookshop has said it will be suspending its click and collect service today due to the snow. It hopes, if the weather improves, to bring it back tomorrow.

Our apologies, we’ll be CLOSED for Click&Collect today. Weather permitting, we will be back for Click&Collect tomorrow from 10am-2pm. If you need to get in touch please email us at books@imaginedthings.co.uk pic.twitter.com/8mYeFKl9bV

— Imagined Things Bookshop (@ImaginedThings) January 15, 2021

09.22am – Recycling bins won’t be collected today

Harrogate Borough Council has responded to a resident’s tweet to say recycling won’t be collected today due to the snow. The council has said recycling with be collected on your next collection date.

Hi Matt. Unfortunately, after assessing conditions this morning, rounds have been stood down. We will collect any additional recycling on your next scheduled recycling collection. Sorry for the delay. ^James

— Harrogate Borough Council (@Harrogatebc) January 15, 2021

08.42am – Harrogate buses run with a limited service

The Harrogate Bus Company has updated its twitter to explain the routes that are able to continue today. Some have had to be limited due to the snow.

https://twitter.com/harrogatebus/status/1349999540879958019

08.32am – County Council says avoid travel 

North Yorkshire County Council has used its twitter to plead with people against travelling today and over the weekend.

Yellow weather warnings are in place for tomorrow too, meaning road conditions could become dangerous once again.

https://twitter.com/northyorkscc/status/1349997278707261442

08.19am – Local police officer warns against using travel

A North Yorkshire police officer has used his twitter this morning to urge local residents to only travel if essential. The district’s roads remain icy.

https://twitter.com/TC174_NYP/status/1349992880505556993

08.09am – Yorkshire Water updates residents on burst pipe

Yorkshire Water has said, via twitter, that the burst pipe has been located on Crescent Road in Harrogate but has warned repairs could take longer than normal due to the weather.

The repair team are yet to arrive, keep an eye on their twitter for further updates.

We have located the burst in #HG1 on #CrescentRoad this morning. Further updates to follow, once the repair team arrive on site. Due to weather conditions this morning, this may take slightly longer than usual. Thanks for your patience. pic.twitter.com/ySDK6ww2UX

— Yorkshire Water Help (@YWHelp) January 15, 2021

08.07am – Harrogate High School to open

Harrogate High School has let its pupils know it will remain open today. It has encouraged those who get a lift into school to study from home today, if possible, and avoid the icy roads.

HHS is open today, but would advise any student that gets a lift to school, to work from home today, where possible, given the icy conditions on the roads.
Please take care.
Mrs Clarke

— HarrogateHighSchool (@HarrogateHigh) January 15, 2021

08.02am – Western Primary School to open later today

Western Primary School in Harrogate posted on its twitter this morning to say the school plans to open at 10am today.

It says it is to give staff and pupils more time to travel. Its turquoise nursery, for 2 year olds, will remain closed.

Parents who feel it is not safe to travel with their child today can call the school and use online learning instead.

We will be open today but not until 10am.
Please note the following:
School will not be open for 2-year-old provision (Turquoise nursery)
School will not be open to pupils until 10.00 a.m. in order to give staff, parents and pupils more time to make their journey safely
Cont…

— Western Primary School (@PrimaryWestern) January 15, 2021

07.58am – Burst water pipe on Crescent Road, Harrogate

Yorkshire Water has said it is investigating reports of a loss of water and low water pressure in Harrogate on its twitter this morning.

The water provider responded to a resident’s comment to say a pipe had burst on Crescent Road and the repair team were on their way.

We are aware some customers may have no water or low pressure this morning in the #HG1 area. We are currently investigating this, further updates to follow. Many Thanks

— Yorkshire Water Help (@YWHelp) January 15, 2021

07.50am – Henshaws College to close

Henshaws announced on its twitter today that it has had to close the specialist college due to the snow.

We can report that the weather in #Harrogate is only slightly better than the blizzard we experienced last Friday! As you can see, the levels of snow were unprecedented, and we had no choice but to shut @HenshawsCollege for the day to ensure safety for all. #SnowDay2021 pic.twitter.com/J7AOVseRbk

— Henshaws (@Henshaws) January 15, 2021

07.42am – Bus services limited due to road conditions

The Harrogate Bus Company has had to amend a number of its services due to road conditions making some areas inaccessible.

The number 1 bus is running between Harrogate and Knaresborough but will avoid the Knaresborough estates.

The 2A service to Harrogate to Bilton and Dene Park is continuing but cannot reach stops on Dene Park.

The 2B route from Harrogate to Bilton and New Park continues its normal route as far as Bachelor Gardens. Stops will be missed at The Knox and Skipton Road. Buses are using Crab Lane and Bilton Lane instead.

The 21 for Knaresborough, Minskip and Boroughbridge is still running but will not cover small villages this morning.

⚠️ Due to snow and ice, The 21 will run direct between Knaresborough, Minskip and Boroughbridge, we're currently unable to reach our stops in the villages. Sorry for any inconvenience this may cause. pic.twitter.com/q8OFFMApUw

— The Harrogate Bus Company (@harrogatebus) January 15, 2021

To get up-to-date information check the Transdev app.

07.30am – Weather disrupts rail line

Train operator Northern has told commuters the service between Harrogate and Leeds faces disruption today due to weather conditions. Services have been reduced to one per hour in each direction this morning.

A tree fell on the line and the operator says essential works to the line continues.

https://twitter.com/northernassist/status/1349965598328033280

Gritters are out in force today as the Harrogate district braces itself for a second bout of heavy snow in a week.

Fountains Abbey near Ripon and RHS Harlow Carr in Harrogate have already decided to close tomorrow, with the Met Office warning of road closures, stranded vehicles, power cuts and loss of mobile phone coverage.

With heavy snow forecast all day tomorrow (Jan 14), Fountains Abbey and Studley Royal, including the deer park will be closed all day for the safety of visitors and staff.
If you've booked to visit tomorrow you should receive a cancellation email shortly.@GHRHarrogate pic.twitter.com/iwPF7JWxWi

— Fountains Abbey & Studley Royal, National Trust (@fountainsabbey) January 13, 2021

Unfortunately with more heavy snow forecast in Harrogate tomorrow, RHS Garden Harlow Carr and Garden Centre will be closed on Thurs 14th January.

We apologise for any inconvenience caused. If you have paid for tickets, please contact harlowcarr@rhs.org.uk to arrange a refund. pic.twitter.com/oW6oKnTMJI

— RHS Harlow Carr (@RHSHarlowCarr) January 13, 2021

A yellow weather warning for snow and ice is in place until 9pm tomorrow.

Although less severe than amber and red warnings, the Met Office still warns of “possible significant travel disruption”.

Overnight temperatures are forecast to fall as low as minus two degrees centigrade and not rise above freezing until Saturday, when another weather warning — this time for heavy rain — if effective.

A @metoffice yellow #weatherwarning for #snow and #ice in #NorthYorkshire is in place until 9pm tomorrow. Our gritting crews are treating priority roads but, if you must travel, please take extra care.

You can keep up to date with the forecast here ⬇️https://t.co/zHvC8EqeVU pic.twitter.com/02QCYkusKz

— North Yorkshire Council (@northyorksc) January 13, 2021

There are currently no flood warnings in the Harrogate district but they are in place nearby on the River Swale and River Ouse.

The Stray Ferret will provide weather and travel updates throughout the day tomorrow.