Warning to drivers after snow turns to flooding

We’re urging motorists to consider whether their journey is essential as we deal with flooded roads, caused by melting snow and heavy rain.

Three vehicles broke down this evening (Saturday 23 November) after trying to go through deep standing water on the A65 near Settle.

The A65 by the B6478 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.

We have also received reports of localised flooding on roads in Harrogate district, including the lower Nidderdale area.

It comes after a high number of crashes today due to the snow – by 8am this morning we had already dealt with eight collisions.

Now the snow is melting and running off the hills. This, along with heavy rain in some areas, has caused some roads to flood quickly.

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 well as attending our other duties, and we’ll be working hard through the night 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.”