Police have issued a "Don't travel" warning for the whole of North Yorkshire as Storm Deirdre brings freezing rain and ice.

An amber weather warning is in force across the county as unusual weather conditions create black ice.

North Yorkshire Police control room has just tweeted: "Numerous accidents being reported across the whole force area due to ice. Please only travel if your journey is urgent."

Among roads where accidents have already happened are the A64 near Copmanthorpe, where queues formed for a time earlier this evening  on the eastbound carriageway towards Tadcaster, the A19 south of Crockey Hill and the junction of Gale Lane and Front Street in Acomb

The rain started mid-afternoon and intensified as night fell. It is freezing as it hits the already cold ground, creating  black ice.

The treacherous conditions are expected to continue throughout the night.

Wind speeds have reached over 40 mph.

The York Rescue Boat is urging merrymakers to wrap up warm and stick together. 

They say that anyone enjoying the evening in the city centre should stay with their friends until they are safely home and keep away from the River Ouse.