NORTH Yorkshire Police have issued advice to members of the public after dealing with eight crashes before 8am.

Police are urging motorists to consider whether their journey is essential as they deal with flooded roads, caused by melting snow and heavy rain.

This follows adverse weather conditions across the county as Storm Bert hit this morning.

 

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A North Yorkshire Police spokesman said: “Conditions could get worse before they get better as temperatures drop overnight, causing hazardous icy driving conditions this evening and into tomorrow morning.

“We’re currently out and about helping people as best we can as we attend our normal duties, and we’ll be working hard overnight to keep everyone safe.

"But please help by considering whether you really need to make a journey. If you do, check traffic updates and the weather forecast before heading out, expect the unexpected and do not attempt to drive through floodwater.”

Police stated that they have received reports of localised flooding on roads in Harrogate and lower Nidderdale area, in addition to more widespread issues impacting the west of the county.

This is due to a rise in temperature causing snow to melt. This, along with heavy rain in some areas and with further rain predicted overnight, has already flooded some areas and put currently minimal affected areas, like York, at risk of flooding.

In the west of the county, three vehicles broke down this evening after trying to go through flooding on the A65 near Settle and the A65 by the junction for Wigglesworth remains flooded and is currently impassable to normal vehicles.

Drivers are advised not to try to navigate the water, and instead find alternative routes if their journey is essential.