LIVE: More snow forecast for Harrogate district tonight

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.

Met Office yellow warning

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.

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

Venues close as heavy snow approaches Harrogate district

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.

How Harrogate’s snow day unfolded and caused chaos

Heavy snow across the Harrogate district has caused chaos on the roads and for schools today.

We kept track of school closures, kept an eye on the roads and updated this story as we went along.

The snow started at around 8am this morning and did not stop for a moment until after sunset.

It seems that ice will follow the snow, after a Met Office warning over freezing temperatures from midnight until 11am tomorrow.

5.15pm – Gritters head out onto Harrogate district roads

Gritters will be out overnight and tomorrow morning trying to clear the snow and ice from the Harrogate district’s roads.

North Yorkshire County Council said its team has been out on “priority roads” today.

We've been #gritting priority roads throughout the day and will continue to do so overnight and tomorrow morning.

Please only travel if essential and take extra care if you do. Remember, gritting does not guarantee an ice or snow free surface.

More ⬇️https://t.co/6cnhGrxFu6 pic.twitter.com/0q8bKPhqoU

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

5.10pm – Harlow Carr to remain closed after snow

RHS Harlow Carr has confirmed that it will remain closed tomorrow due to the heavy snow.

Anyone who has booked tickets for Saturday has been urged to send RHS an email on harlowcarr@rhs.org.uk.

**Closed Saturday 9th January **

Unfortunately due to today’s heavy snowfall, RHS Garden Harlow Carr will be closed on Saturday 9th January.

We apologise for any inconvenience caused. If you have paid for tickets, please contact harlowcarr@rhs.org.uk for a refund. pic.twitter.com/ozwwrJ2jIK

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

5pm – Harrogate district buses start running again

The Harrogate Bus Company has now confirmed that its number 36 buses are now able to run from Leeds, to Harrogate and onto Ripon.

That covers the full route so it is back to normal but the bus company has not yet revealed the return any of its other routes just yet.

Our buses on #The36 are able to run between Harrogate and Ripon now as well as to Leeds, so we're back along the whole route.

If you're joining us on the bus this evening, track your bus on our app #TransdevGo, to make sure you know when it's coming – https://t.co/p6IyPgyQvx pic.twitter.com/P5biQVE5zS

— The Harrogate Bus Company (@harrogatebus) January 8, 2021

4.45pm – Public toilets closed across Harrogate district

Harrogate Borough Council has closed down the district’s public toilets due to the “adverse weather conditions”.

When questioned by a resident on Twitter the authority explained that it was because workers are unable to clean them.

4pm – Fountains Abbey and Studley Royal close

The heavy snow has forced Fountains Abbey and Studley Royal to close its doors tomorrow.

It may also have to close on Sunday, but it will make that decision on Saturday depending on how the weather condition progress.

*Important Notice* Fountains Abbey and Studley Royal will be closed on Saturday 9 January due to heavy snowfall. If you have booked a ticket to visit that you'd like refunded please call 0344 2491895.
We'll be making a decision on opening on Sunday 10 January tomorrow.#staylocal pic.twitter.com/u2u5kg0Wsq

— Fountains Abbey & Studley Royal, National Trust (@fountainsabbey) January 8, 2021

2.30pm – Ice to follow snow in district

The Met Office has issued a yellow warning for ice from midnight tonight until 11am tomorrow.

North Yorkshire County Council has told people to only travel if essential and urged people to take extra care on icy surfaces.

⚠️ The @metoffice have issued a yellow #weatherwarning for #ice form midnight tonight until 11am tomorrow.

Please only travel if essential and if you need to go out take extra care on icy surfaces.

Keep up to date with the forecast here ⬇️https://t.co/mYeNomwbja pic.twitter.com/0C6j8P6o3D

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

2pm – Volunteers brave the snow

Volunteers have braved the snow today to take care of vulnerable people, including a homeless man in Harrogate.

The Resurrected Bites team said its team of helpers have kept up with its deliveries of food to those that need it most.

“I just want to let you know what heroes we have. We have called all of today’s customers to see if they can wait until Monday and those that can’t have had food delivered on foot.

“One of them has also been out to get food to the homeless man and his dogs on Montpellier Hill. I couldn’t ask for a better team. I am so grateful for all of them.”

1.45pm – Waste and recycling centres close

North Yorkshire County Council has confirmed that some of its household waster recycling centres have closed.

The local authority said that the Harrogate and West Harrogate centres needed to close because of the snow.

12.30pm – Harrogate hospital praises staff in snow

Harrogate District Hospital has praised the efforts of its staff who are battling the snow to keep it running today,.

“Thank you to Matthew from Estates, James from Car Parking and the rest of the team from our Harrogate Integrated Facilities who are busy battling the elements to keep the hospital site safe.

“Well done and thank you to all colleagues for efforts to get in today. And to patients for making it in too!”

We’ve got a fair bit of snow in Harrogate today! Huge thanks to Matthew and James & the rest of the team who are busy battling the elements to keep the hospital site safe. Well done & thanks to all colleagues for your efforts to get in today. & to patients for making it in too! pic.twitter.com/Dfcj4D3fHI

— Harrogate NHS FT (@HarrogateNHSFT) January 8, 2021

11.50am – More school closures across district

If we have missed any school closures off our list then please get in touch through email on contact@thestrayferret.co.uk.

11.40am – Bus company starts gritting roads

The local bus company has started to grit roads in Harrogate to try and rescue its buses and other vehicles.

Alex Hornby, CEO of Transdev, tweeted today that “we appear to now be The Harrogate Gritting Company.”

We appear to now be The Harrogate Gritting Company to help rescue our buses and other vehicles on the roads. pic.twitter.com/UylVYml6SG

— Alex Hornby (@alexhornbybus) January 8, 2021

11.05am – Traffic ‘at a standstill’

Roads in all directions around Harrogate are at a standstill because of the heavy snowfall.

Traffic on the A61 north of Harrogate at Killinghall, and south towards Pannal, has ground to a halt. Conditions are also reported to be poor on other roads, including Otley Road and Jenny Field Drive.

North Yorkshire County Council said it was gritting all priority one and two roads in the district overnight, which includes bus routes. However, it is advising people not to travel unless absolutely necessary.

Traffic on the A61 in Killinghall

Traffic on the A61 in Killinghall

10.40am – RHS Harlow Carr closes gates

RHS Garden Harlow Carr has closed to visitors today because of the weather conditions.

With Otley Road reportedly difficult to navigate, the RHS said anyone who has booked tickets can get in touch for a refund.

10am – Harrogate Bus Company pauses buses

The Harrogate Bus Company has paused all of its buses that are currently out on the road this morning due to the snow.

It said in a tweet this morning that the buses will get running again “once the very heavy snow has cleared”.

“So we can keep everyone safe in this weather, we’re pausing our buses that are currently out on the road.

“We’ll confirm when we’re able to get back up and running again, once the very heavy snow has cleared.

“If you need any help, just send us a message here.”

10am – Council calls off waste and recycling collections

Harrogate Borough Council has called off its waste and recycling collections this morning due to the snow.

The local authority said it would do its best to catch-up in the coming days but said the safety of its crew is paramount.

As you’ve probably seen, it is now snowing quite heavily across the #Harrogate district. Waste and recycling collections have now been stood down as the safety of our crews is paramount. We will do our best to catch-up in the coming days, where we can. pic.twitter.com/NA1oMfaEUS

— Harrogate Borough Council (@Harrogatebc) January 8, 2021

9:45am – School closures

Schools across the Harrogate district are closing to all, including the children of key workers as a result of the snow.

9.30am – Trouble on the roads

The snow is causing major issues on the roads around the Harrogate district this morning.

A brief update on the roads throughout North Yorkshire. Please take care if you are out & about, drive to the conditions & check in on elderly & vulnerable neighbours pic.twitter.com/h3DkE8A5IO

— Sgt Paul Cording BEM (@OscarRomeo1268) January 8, 2021

Traffic reports on Google Maps is showing heavy congestion around Harrogate and Knaresborough.

 

Weather warning issued for Harrogate district tonight

The Met Office has issued a weather warning for snow and ice in the Harrogate district from 6pm tonight until 2pm tomorrow.

A yellow warning is in place, which is less severe than amber and red warnings, but nevertheless has potential for disruption.

Temperatures are forecast to fall as low as minus three degrees centigrade, causing widespread frost.

Some wintry showers, including snow, are also forecast — but conditions are unlikely to be anywhere near as bad as they were on Boxing Day evening when the A59 at Blubberhouses and Kex Gill, and nearby roads, were treacherous.

The cold snap is expected to continue into 2021, with temperatures not set to rise above five degrees centigrade at all in the next fortnight.

However, no significant snow showers are forecast after tomorrow.

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