PLUMMETING temperatures and strong westerly winds are set to bring sleet and snow showers to York and North Yorkshire this evening.

Weathermen have warned that significant snow accumulations are likely in places by the end of the night, particularly over hills, with icy patches forming on untreated surfaces.

City of York Council will be gritting primary routes from 6.30pm today and again along with pavements from 4am on Thursday.

York Press:

Met Office warning

Tomorrow should stay cold and breezy but it should be mainly dry and bright for many areas, and the weather will continue cold and windy on Friday and over the weekend, with sunny spells and snow showers, especially over hills.

Weathermen have warned that the wind chill factor will make the weather seem worse, with the often windy conditions making it feel bitterly cold.

The cold-snap is predicted to last until well into next week.

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In East Yorkshire, council officials say they are braced for bad weather and have urged pedestrians and motorists to take care and allow extra time for journeys.

A spokeswoman at East Riding of Yorkshire Council said: "The council will be treating the precautionary network ahead of the anticipated snowfall which will be followed by ploughing and re-treatments as required.   

"Salt stocks at the council’s depots remain healthy and the council has been depositing and refilling salt piles at strategic locations, such as hilly areas.

"During severe conditions, grounds maintenance staff will be diverted away from their normal operations to treat busy pedestrian areas and car parks."

Mike Featherby, head of streetscene services at the council, said: “Motorists are advised to plan their journeys in advance, allow extra time for travel and to drive to the conditions.

“Forecasts, at present, indicate that this cold snap is likely to last well into next week.”