Emergency services are calling for extreme caution across the Yorkshire Coast after high winds caused widespread road disruption, fallen trees, and vehicle accidents.
North Yorkshire Police have issued a stark warning to motorists this evening, urging residents to exercise extreme caution as high winds wreak havoc across the region. With gusts exceeding 50mph recorded at Fylingdales on the North York Moors, local authorities are struggling to manage a surge in incident reports.
According to a statement released by the force, officers have already dealt with more than 40 reports of highway disruption throughout the day. These incidents range from road signs being blown into the carriageway to fallen trees obstructing major routes. The coastal and rural areas, particularly around Scarborough, have been highlighted as being among the worst-hit regions.
Among the more serious incidents reported was a collision involving a van near Whitby. North Yorkshire Police described the situation:
We’ve received more than 40 reports of highway disruption today, including fallen trees that are blocking roads, road signs that have blown over and power lines that have come down. Winds are exceeding 50mph at Fylingdales on the North York Moors and in several other areas.
Calls we’ve dealt with in the past hour include large fallen branches across the A19 near Easingwold and a van that has blown over in Sneaton near Whitby and collided with another vehicle. While all areas of the county are affected, there are a high number of weather-related incidents in the Craven, Ryedale and Scarborough areas caused by very strong winds. We are urging motorists in these areas to take extreme care.
The force noted that emergency services and infrastructure teams are working at full capacity to clear hazards and ensure the safety of the public. However, they are asking motorists to adjust their travel plans, specifically requesting that drivers "expect the unexpected," particularly when navigating the exposed rural roads that connect towns like Filey, Driffield, and Pickering.
The challenges facing the county are expected to intensify as the weather front moves through. The Met Office has forecast further heavy rain for the region, which is expected to be followed by a sharp drop in temperatures overnight. Authorities have warned that this transition could lead to localised flooding and treacherous icy patches on the roads by tomorrow morning.
Police have provided clear guidance for those who encounter hazards while out on the roads. Members of the public are advised to contact the North Yorkshire Council Highways Team on 0300 131 2131 for debris such as trees blocking roads, and Northern Powergrid on 105 for downed electricity lines. However, for any situation that poses an immediate threat to life, residents are instructed to dial 999 immediately.
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