Families in York, North Yorkshire, are facing travel delays and flood risks as weather warnings for snow and ice remain in place until February 16, 2026. The cold weather and rising river levels are expected to cause disruption across the city and on major surrounding roads over the coming days.
The Met Office has issued a yellow warning for snow and ice, with overnight temperatures forecast to drop as low as -4°C. These freezing conditions have already led to problems on the A64 at Bilbrough Top, where emergency services have been called out to assist drivers struggling with the wintry conditions on the road.
Alongside the ice, the Environment Agency has put flood warnings in place after the River Ouse reached a height of 3.5 metres. Because this is well above the three-metre level where property flooding usually begins, officials have closed city centre floodgates and started operating the Foss Barrier to help protect local buildings.
Several low-lying areas are currently at high risk, including King’s Staith, Queen’s Staith, and St George’s Field. Riverside paths stretching from Lendal Bridge to Millennium Bridge are also affected, and people are being told to avoid these spots while the river remains high.
The unsettled weather and freezing temperatures are expected to continue through to February 16, 2026. Local people are advised to check their routes before travelling and to take extra care on slippery pavements and roads throughout the weekend.
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