It appears winter could be arriving sooner than we think in York and across North Yorkshire as the Met Office has issued a yellow weather warning for snow and ice.

The 24-hour alert has been put in place from 10am on Monday, November 18 until 10am on Tuesday, November 19 due to a “small chance” of disruption from snow and ice.

The forecasters have said most of the snow is expected to fall on high ground, with five to 10cm possible above 300m.

Additionally, the Met Office predicts 15 to 20cm to fall above 400m but lower levels could also expect snow too.

What to expect from snow and ice weather warning in North Yorkshire

The Met Office has revealed you should expect the following within the period of the yellow weather warning for snow and ice next week:

  • There is a small chance that power cuts will occur and other services, such as mobile phone coverage, may be affected
  • A small chance that untreated pavements and cycle paths become impassable
  • There is a slight chance that some rural communities could become cut off
  • There is a slight chance that bus and train services may be delayed or cancelled, with some road closures and longer journey times
  • A small chance of injuries from slips and falls on icy surfaces
  • 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

How to drive safely in snow and ice

The Met Office explained: “Spells of rain, sleet and snow are likely during Monday and overnight into Tuesday morning.

“The most likely scenario is for most of the snow to fall on high ground, with 5 to 10 cm possible above 300 metres and perhaps as much as 15 to 20 cm above 400 metres.

“There is a small chance of snow settling at lower levels, where 5 to 10 cm would prove much more disruptive, but this is very uncertain.

“As rain, sleet and snow clear on Tuesday morning, ice may form on untreated surfaces.”

North Yorkshire areas in weather warning for snow and ice

Under the yellow area on the Met Office map for snow and ice, just some of the North Yorkshire areas included are:

  • York
  • Ripon
  • Harrogate
  • Malton
  • Thirsk
  • Helmsley
  • Pickering

See all locations here.

Will you be getting snow next week?Will you be getting snow next week? (Image: Met Office)

What can you do?

The forecasters have shared the following advice: “Snowy, wintry weather can cause delays and make driving conditions dangerous, so to keep yourself and others safe: plan your route, checking for delays and road closures, amending your travel plans if necessary; if driving, leave more time to prepare and check your car before setting off; make sure you have essentials packed in your car in the event of any delays (warm clothing, food, water, a blanket, a torch, ice scraper/de-icer, a warning triangle, high visibility vest and an in-car phone charger).

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“People cope better when they have prepared in advance for the risk of power cuts or being cut off from services and amenities due to the snow.

“It’s easy to do; consider gathering torches and batteries, a mobile phone power pack and other essential items.

“Be prepared for weather warnings to change quickly: when a weather warning is issued, the Met Office recommends staying up to date with the weather forecast in your area.”