Council workers are working with volunteers to ensure the county's roads and footpaths remain passable after snow fell across the UK last weekend and days of sub-zero temperatures.
Heavy snow, widespread ice and torrential rain are creating dangerous conditions across North Yorkshire and testing essential council services. Freezing conditions and sub-zero temperatures are expected to continue over the next few days, with highways teams working around the clock to provide the authority's winter services, the council said.
Keane Duncan, North Yorkshire Council Executive Officer for Highways and Transport, said: “Our council is currently battling the most severe winter conditions since the Beast from the East in 2018.
“Our crews are working around the clock to deal with snow, ice and sub-zero temperatures of -12 degrees across our vast, rural county.
“The situation in western North Yorkshire, including around Harrogate and the Dales, is proving particularly difficult.
“Our sand crushing teams and agricultural contractors are working extremely hard to treat roads, replenish sandboxes and clear sidewalks around shops, schools and hospitals.
“We have already dedicated extra staff to this effort, with Waste and Parks staff supporting our operations.
“Unfortunately, snowdrifts are hampering our efforts to keep roads clear, while sub-zero temperatures are so extreme that the effectiveness of salt on roads and sidewalks is being affected.
“The snow has stopped, but freezing conditions are expected to continue for the next few days.
“We are doing everything we can to ensure roads and footpaths are treated and cleared, but we ask people to be extra careful when out and about. We thank the public for their understanding. Masu.”
