MOTORISTS were facing tough driving conditions in higher areas of North Yorkshire early today after snow started falling in strong winds.

The county council webcam image here shows the A170 at Sutton Bank, near Thirsk, at 12.30am with snowflakes swirling around and conditions becoming treacherous.

The Met Office issued yellow warnings yesterday for persistent snow over higher levels such as the North York Moors from about 11pm, although lower levels such as York were expected to escape with rain or sleet rather than snow.

Forecasters said there would be accumulations of snow for many, especially over hills, and at some lower levels later.

They said there would also be strong winds at times and travel delays were possible on roads, with a risk of some vehicles and passengers becoming stranded and some rural communities becoming cut off.

Today will be sunny with a few wintry showers, mostly on the Pennines, and it will feel cold in northwesterly winds.