MOTORISTS could be facing nightmare driving conditions in York and North Yorkshire tomorrow afternoon and evening, with a possibility of both black ice and blizzards.

An amber warning has been issued by the Met Office for freezing rain, which is expected to result in the rapid development of widespread ice, with very dangerous travelling conditions likely.

"Injuries from slips and falls and danger to life on icy surfaces are likely," it says. "Black ice may form quickly affecting bus, train and air travel.

"Dangerous driving conditions are likely leading to road traffic collisions, road closures and longer journey times."

A yellow warning for heavy snow, with blizzards possible in 40 mph gusts of wind, has also been extended to York as well as North Yorkshire, with a possibility of vehicles being stranded, delays to rail and air travel, power cuts and some rural communities being cut off.

The risk of snow is greatest over higher ground, but forecasters say there could also be heavy snow on Saturday afternoon at lower levels, such as York, before turning later to rain.