MOTORISTS faced hazardous driving conditions as snow, followed by flooding, arrived in the area during the weekend.

Several inches of snow fell across Ryedale overnight on Friday, creating problems for drivers on many roads, including the A64 at Whitwell.

Five vehicles also become stuck in snow near Saltersgate Bank.

The snow saw turnout to Malton Market on Saturday reduced to only one trader – baker Pete Ellison, who braved the elements to clear an area and set up his stall.

By Sunday, a number of calls were made to the emergency services due to the rapid thaw.

A man had to be rescued from the roof of his car after it became stuck in a foot of flood water in Buttercrambe Road, near Gate Helmsley. A spokeswoman for the fire service said crews did not have the resources to recover the vehicle, and the road was closed.

Residents in Scrayingham also called the fire service after the heavy rain and thawing snow caused water to run towards a number of properties and into a garage.

A fire service spokeswoman said the incident had been left in the hands of the council, who were distributing sandbags.

The Environment Agency said it had issued flood alerts and warnings for the River Derwent with the river level at Malton recorded at 3.85 metres at 9am yesterday (Tuesday). The typical river level range is between 0.54 metres and 2.95 metres.

Phil Long, head of environment for Ryedale District Council, said: “We are continuing to work with other agencies to monitor the situation throughout Ryedale.

“There is some expectation that river levels will continue to rise again due to rainfall and pumps are on key sites throughout the district.”

For the latest on river levels in Ryedale, visit www.environment-agency.gov.uk/flood