Met Office issues amber snow warning for North Yorkshire

The Met Office issued an amber warning for snow in North Yorkshire, North Yorkshire Fire & Rescue Service said on 9 March 2023. The service said the majority of the snow was not due to fall until the afternoon, around 3pm, and was likely to continue into the evening and overnight into Friday 10 March¹.

The service said snow had already fallen on the morning of Thursday 9 March and that it was believed there had been no major issues on the county's roads. It noted that journeys made in the morning might be very different from those made later in the day, with the journey home potentially more challenging¹. It also said disruption was likely to other modes of transport including air, rail and boat, and that travellers should check ahead before setting out¹.

The service set out preparation and driving guidance for people who need to travel. Before travelling, it advised allowing extra time, checking ahead for road closures or delays on the Traffic England website, and fully removing snow or ice from the vehicle. It advised packing warm clothing and, if available, a sleeping bag and torch in case of becoming stranded, along with a flask with a hot drink, water and a snack, and keeping a phone charged with a fully charged battery pack¹. It also advised checking wipers and switching off any auto wiper control before turning on the ignition, checking tyres for adequate tread, wearing suitable footwear, and packing sunglasses to reduce glare from low winter sun on snow. It recommended downloading the What3Words location app¹.

While driving, the service advised accelerating gently, using low revs and changing up to a higher gear as quickly as possible, and moving off in second gear to reduce wheel slip. It advised leaving a stopping distance from the vehicle in front of as much as 10 times the normal recommended gap, using a low gear uphill and avoiding braking unless necessary, and braking before starting to turn the steering wheel at a bend. If a car loses grip, it advised staying calm, taking a foot off the accelerator and keeping the wheels pointing in the direction of travel; if the car skids, it advised steering gently into the skid, keeping hands on the steering wheel and not stamping on the brake¹. In heavy snow it advised using dipped headlights rather than relying on daytime running lights, which do not always put the rear lights on, and using fog lights when visibility drops below 100m, turning them off when visibility improves. It advised extra care in the wheel-tracks of other vehicles on ungritted roads, where compressed snow is likely to be more icy than fresh snow¹. It said people who live or work in areas prone to high snowfall may benefit from winter tyres, snow chains or snow socks¹.

For people walking near or crossing roads, the service said road users may not be able to stop as quickly as usual and their visibility may be reduced¹.

Why it matters for households

The warning covers North Yorkshire, with the heaviest snow expected from around 3pm on 9 March and continuing overnight into the morning of 10 March¹. The service said power cuts and loss of utilities are more likely in adverse weather. Its preparation tips were to keep a torch and spare batteries at home, have blankets and warm clothing to hand, keep a mobile phone and any battery packs charged, and turn off appliances that should not be left unattended when switched on, such as cookers and microwaves, because power may be restored without warning. It said some people may wish to leave a light switched on so they know when power has returned, and it advised checking on elderly or vulnerable neighbours or relatives¹. The service also advised, where possible and where a job allows, working from home before the snow arrives¹.

The Met Office explains the difference between yellow, amber and red warnings in our guide to Met Office weather warnings, and households can find out how to receive alerts in our guide to signing up for Met Office weather alerts. Further practical guidance is collected in the storms and snow section.

What happens next

The amber warning was in place for snow continuing overnight into the morning of Friday 10 March¹. No further warning updates or dates have been reported.