SEVERE weather warnings are in place across York and North Yorkshire today.

Very strong winds and gales are expected to batter the region throughout today and tomorrow, with snow expected on high ground throughout northern England and parts of Scotland.

The warning said some areas could expect winds of between 60mph and 80mph, and higher tides and waves in some coastal areas, caused by a very deep low pressure system which is moving slowly eastwards from Iceland.

The Met Office said: "A period of severe gales is expected.

"Frequent wintry showers will also bring an additional hazard, mainly over higher ground. The public should be aware of the potential for disruption to travel and perhaps also power supplies."

A Coastal Flood Alert is also in force for the high tides this morning and later today in the Bridlington area, with strong south-westerly winds expected to cause high waves to affect the South Pier area between 4.15am and 9.30am and 4.30pm and 10pm today.

The amber warning was first issued on Sunday, but renewed last night with suggestions that areas of high ground could see between two and five centimetres of snow.

The warning is expected to last until Thursday, but a band of heavy rain is expected to descend into East and South Yorkshire on Friday, before pushing out to sea on Friday afternoon.