Snow and Ice Cause Travel Chaos in North Yorkshire

Published: 20November 2025 Thursday . The English Chronicle Desk. The English Chronicle Online

Severe winter weather has caused significant disruption across North Yorkshire, with snow and ice prompting travel warnings and widespread delays. Police and local authorities have urged motorists to exercise extreme caution as the county grapples with hazardous road conditions, which have already led to vehicles becoming stranded and a number of blocked routes. The situation is particularly acute in hilly and rural areas, where heavy snowfall has compounded the risk of accidents and travel interruptions.

The Met Office has issued a yellow weather warning covering much of North Yorkshire, effective until midnight on Thursday. In addition, a separate amber warning for Thursday indicates that “significant” snow accumulation is expected in higher elevations, including the North York Moors and parts of the Yorkshire Wolds. Forecasters warn that snow totals could reach 15 to 25 centimetres on the hills, likely to cause severe disruption to road and rail networks and challenging conditions for commuters and emergency services alike.

North Yorkshire Police have highlighted several trouble spots where the adverse weather has already led to travel difficulties. In Ryedale, officers reported multiple locations where roads had come to a standstill due to snow and ice. Police have advised drivers to avoid the A171 near Whitby, as well as the surrounding moorland routes towards Guisborough, where vehicles have become immobilised, creating traffic congestion and increasing the risk of accidents. Authorities emphasised that even seemingly minor journeys could be dangerous and encouraged people to reconsider travel plans unless absolutely necessary.

On Wednesday evening, police indicated that the A174 out of Whitby might remain passable; however, they cautioned that conditions could change rapidly. A spokesperson stated: “If in any doubt, please don’t travel if you don’t need to and stay safe out there.” This message underlined the unpredictable nature of winter weather in the region, where temperatures and snowfall can vary significantly over short distances, particularly in elevated or exposed areas.

The severe weather has also affected freight and commercial traffic. Earlier in the week, North Yorkshire Police’s Roads Policing Team was deployed to Black Hill on the B1363 after a lorry became stuck in snow. Officers noted that traffic was backing up in multiple areas, including Sutton Bank, where icy conditions and the weight of vehicles exacerbated travel delays. Authorities stressed that such incidents could have a domino effect on surrounding routes, further complicating travel for local residents and long-distance motorists.

North Yorkshire Council has been actively managing road safety in response to the snowfall. Officials confirmed that all priority roads in the county had been gritted overnight to reduce ice formation and improve driving conditions. However, council representatives cautioned that gritting does not eliminate risk entirely. Salt and grit need to be activated by passing traffic to begin melting ice, meaning that fresh snowfall can quickly create hazardous surfaces even on treated roads. Drivers are therefore advised to maintain reduced speeds, increase following distances, and remain vigilant, particularly on exposed stretches such as Chop Gate, Clay Bank, and other hilly sections towards Stokesley and Helmsley.

Sutton Bank, one of North Yorkshire’s most challenging roads, had been temporarily closed earlier due to an accident, but has since reopened. The council continues to monitor the area closely, recognising that extreme winter weather can quickly render roads treacherous. Karl Battersby, corporate director for environment at North Yorkshire Council, highlighted ongoing challenges in rural parts of the county where snow accumulation is heaviest. He stressed that road users must exercise caution and follow official guidance, including temporary closures and advice from emergency services.

In addition to North Yorkshire, the City of York Council has also been active in managing winter conditions, treating and gritting approximately 360 miles (579 km) of roads, footpaths, and cycle paths. This proactive approach aims to reduce accidents and ensure safe access for pedestrians and cyclists as well as drivers. Nevertheless, officials acknowledge that icy patches and snowdrifts can still develop rapidly, particularly on less trafficked roads, side streets, and elevated areas.

The amber weather warning issued by the Met Office underscores the potential severity of the storm, indicating that conditions may reach levels that cause widespread disruption. Snowfall in higher areas, such as the North York Moors and Yorkshire Wolds, can accumulate rapidly, making travel hazardous and potentially isolating communities until roads are cleared. Authorities have repeatedly emphasised that motorists should avoid unnecessary journeys and heed advice from emergency services.

Emergency services have been on high alert throughout the period, responding to stranded motorists, minor collisions, and other weather-related incidents. In Ryedale, police have been working to assist vehicles stuck in snow and ice, while ensuring that traffic flow is maintained wherever possible. Officers have urged residents to plan ahead, check road conditions before setting out, and carry necessary equipment, including warm clothing, blankets, and mobile phones, in case of delays or emergencies.

The current weather conditions serve as a reminder of the broader challenges faced by rural and semi-rural areas during winter storms. Even when main roads are gritted and kept open, side roads and less-travelled routes can become impassable, creating hazards for both local residents and delivery services. North Yorkshire Council and the City of York Council continue to coordinate closely with police, highways teams, and emergency responders to mitigate these risks and maintain public safety.

Officials have also highlighted the importance of community awareness during severe weather. Residents are encouraged to check official websites, follow updates from local authorities and the Met Office, and remain alert to changing conditions. Schools, transport operators, and businesses have been advised to consider contingency plans in light of expected snow and ice, recognising that travel may be delayed or unsafe.

The combination of heavy snowfall, freezing temperatures, and icy roads has also raised concerns about potential accidents involving both vehicles and pedestrians. Authorities advise individuals to avoid unnecessary travel, ensure vehicles are properly maintained for winter conditions, and allow extra time for journeys. Winter safety campaigns have emphasised that even experienced drivers can encounter difficulties when navigating rural roads, especially in areas with steep gradients or sharp bends.

In summary, North Yorkshire is currently facing a significant winter weather event, with snow and ice affecting travel across the county. Amber and yellow weather warnings have been issued, highlighting the risks of substantial snow accumulation and hazardous driving conditions, particularly on the North York Moors, Yorkshire Wolds, and other elevated areas. Police and council authorities have called on the public to take extra precautions, avoid unnecessary journeys, and remain alert to changing conditions. With emergency services, highways teams, and local councils working to manage the situation, residents are urged to prioritise safety, adhere to official guidance, and exercise caution until the weather event passes.

The ongoing snow and ice warning serves as a critical reminder of the challenges posed by winter weather in rural and semi-rural areas, where road conditions can deteriorate rapidly. North Yorkshire’s response, from gritting major routes to coordinating emergency services, reflects the efforts of multiple agencies to protect public safety. Nevertheless, road users must remain vigilant, adapt to hazardous conditions, and avoid unnecessary travel to prevent accidents and further disruption.