Van ‘blown over’ in Sneaton, near Whitby, as heavy winds hit

The force said it received more than 40 reports of disruption on the roads on Thursday (March 12), which included a van being “blown over”.

A yellow weather warning for wind has been issued for York and North Yorkshire until 8pm on Thursday.

North Yorkshire Police said winds exceeding 50mph have been recorded at Fylingdales in the North York Moors.

Forecasters said coastal areas are set to experience the strongest gusts.

On the North Yorkshire coast, a van had been “blown over” in Sneaton, near Whitby, and collided with another vehicle on Thursday, a police spokesperson said.

Fallen branches were also been recorded across the A19 near Easingwold, they added.

The police spokesperson urged motorists travelling in North Yorkshire to take “extreme care”.

“Emergency services and other teams who maintain our infrastructure are working flat out to keep everyone safe. But please drive cautiously and expect the unexpected, especially on exposed rural roads,” they said.

“The Met Office is forecasting more heavy rain today followed by freezing temperatures in rural parts of the county overnight, so please anticipate localised flooding and ice if you’re travelling tomorrow morning.”

How to report incidents

Anyone who sees an incident that poses an immediate threat to life is urged to contact North Yorkshire Police on 999.

Incidents relating to items, such as trees, blocking a road should be reported to the North Yorkshire Council Highways Team on 0300 131 2131.

Fallen or damaged power lines should be reported to Northern Powergrid on 105, but if they are across a road, footpath or anywhere else that could pose a risk to life, people should immediately dial 999.

Debris on the motorways should be reported to National Highways on 0300 123 5000 or 999 if there is a risk to life.