Harrogate virtually at a standstill as heavy snow showers sweep district

Harrogate is at a virtual standstill today as the arrival of snow hit traffic, transport, businesses and schools.
A lone pedestrian braves the snow this morning on Starbeck High Street in Harrogate. (Picture by Stuart Rhodes)A lone pedestrian braves the snow this morning on Starbeck High Street in Harrogate. (Picture by Stuart Rhodes)
A lone pedestrian braves the snow this morning on Starbeck High Street in Harrogate. (Picture by Stuart Rhodes)

There was an eerie quiet as the snow fell during early morning as cars queued in the main roads into Harrogate town centre punctuated only by the sound of sirens from emergency services and the flashing lights of ambulances.

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Knaresborough Road, in particular, has turned almost into a car park as the traffic snakes through the town at a snail's pace.

A tricky scene for people travelling by car in Harrogate this morning. (Picture by Stuart Rhodes)A tricky scene for people travelling by car in Harrogate this morning. (Picture by Stuart Rhodes)
A tricky scene for people travelling by car in Harrogate this morning. (Picture by Stuart Rhodes)

Several Harrogate schools have already closed for the day, including Killinghall C Of E Primary School and St. Aidan's C of E High School.

Harrogate Bus Company took the decision to pause its services with the hope the weather would improve and traffic conditions improve later today.

The gritters are out on the main Harrogate roads in an attempt to improve the situation.

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Harrogate Borough Council tweeted that it was cancelling today's recycling collections for the moment in the town.

The snow showers are expected to continue in the Harrogate area until 7pm approximately, according to weather forecasts, when the temperature will drop to -1C.

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