GET ready for a cold snap.

That's the message from weather forecasters as snow, sleet and hail showers are predicted for York and parts of North and East Yorkshire from mid-morning today.

Weather forecasters at MeteoGroup have warned that overnight temperatures tonight could drop as low as -6C, leading to potentially hazardous icy road conditions.

Forecaster Rob Hutchinson said the gale force winds that left many homes without power yesterday were expected to ease off slowly, only to be replaced by cold winds from the Arctic coming in from the west.

Mr Hutchinson said: "The winds will ease off slightly but it's going to be a gradual process and, if anything, they might just pick up again during the night bringing in Arctic air.

"There'll be more snow in the west, but there will be a band of snow showers moving southwards today, resulting in hail, sleet and snow showers.

"Most snow will fall over the hills and the North York Moors, but there will probably be a covering of snow at lower levels.

"I wouldn't rule out at least a covering of snow for most areas from mid-morning onwards."

The weather for the weekend is set to remain cold but bright, with daytime temperatures not expected to exceed 5C and night- time temperatures dipping well below zero.

Mr Hutchinson said: "Drivers should be aware that icy conditions on Friday and Saturday night might cause hazardous conditions, especially on roads that have not been treated with grit or salt."

Yesterday, hundreds of homes in York and North Yorkshire were left without power after high winds caused problems with supplies.

In York, properties in Ashton Avenue, Clifton, suffered power loss around breakfast time.

Also about 260 properties were affected in Stillingfleet, while other areas, including Alne, Brandsby, Huby and Easingwold, were also hit.

In the village of Tollerton, more than 370 properties were without power early yesterday, but by mid-morning many households had been reconnected.

Power firm NEDL said all supplies had been restored by the afternoon. City of York Council also took the step of closing all of the city's parks that it controls due to the high winds.