Leeds and West Yorkshire: Icy roads lead to dozens of crashes

West Yorkshire Police and Yorkshire Ambulance Service have both issued urgent care warnings after black ice and fog caused havoc on the region’s roads and pavements.

Delays have also been reported to flights arriving and departing from Leeds-Bradford International Airport.

The Met Office has also issued a regional warning,. with the sub zero conditions expected to continue throughout the day.

However conditions are expected to improve over the weekend.

A spokesperson for Yorkshire Ambulance Service said: “The service is receiving many 999 calls for weather-related incidents and we are treating a lot of patients involved in road traffic collisions and slips, trips and falls.

“The weather is also causing hazardous driving conditions for our ambulance crews but we are making every effort to get to patients as quickly, and as safely, as possible.

“We are urging people to take care when out driving or walking due to the slippery conditions and ask that the public only call 999 for an ambulance in a medical emergency when it is obvious that someone has a life-threatening illness or injury.

“We also ask that for advice and treatment for non-emergencies, people consider options such as a visit to a local pharmacist or GP surgery, a call to NHS Direct or visit a walk-in centre.”

West Yorkshire Police sayid this morning it had received “an exceptionally high number of calls from motorists reporting road traffic collisions as agencies work to clear roads and manage the situation”.

Pedestrians are also urged to be extremely careful using untreated paths and side roads on estates due to black ice caused by rain falling on freezing pavements.

Insp Steve Reed of West Yorkshire Police, said: “West Yorkshire Police have received an exceptionally high amount of road traffic collisions throughout the early hours of today, mainly on each of the major motorway networks due to vehicles skidding on black ice.

“Areas affected include both the North and Southbound carriageways of the M1, at various locations. Both the North and Southbound carriageways of the A1 at various locations. Both the East and West bound carriageways of the M62 at various locations, and the M606.

“There were no reports of serious injuries, but the collisions resulted in closures of the M1 Southbound near to J41 and the A1 Southbound near J45. Emergency services are still dealing with many of these incidents and working hard to clear the carriageways.

“The public are requested to be aware of the issues on the Motorway network and take extreme care when travelling this morning.”

Chief Insp Derek Hughes of the West Yorkshire Police Roads Policing Unit, added: “It is treacherous and we are working with other agencies to keep the road networks clears. Drivers should be aware of the conditions though and drive accordingly.”

Meanwhile, Britain was put on flood alert as high winds and heavy rainfall begin to sweep in from the South West.

The Environment Agency has warned residents - many still mopping up after last month’s widespread flooding - to brace themselves for a combination of heavy rain and storm surges.

Thirteen flood warnings have been issued across the South West and Wales, while a further 47 areas across Scotland, England and Wales have been told to prepare for possible flooding.

The temperature is expected to rise as rain arrives.

Schools

Open late: Treeton C of E Primary School, Windmill Hill Primary, Chapeltown; Tinsley Nursery and Infant School; Stocksbridge Nursery and Infant School and St Patrick’s Catholic Primary School, Shafton ALC, Barlow C of E Primary.

Matlock All Saints’ CE Infant School - open at noon and kids should bring a packed lunch.

Barlow C of E Primary - open at 10.30am

Eckington Junior School - open at 10am this morning.

Brimmington Junior School open at 10.30am

Hady Primary School - open until 10am

Gilbert Heathcote Nursery and Infant School - open at 10am

Closed: Hasland Hall Community School, Eckington Junior School, Unstone Junior School, Westfield Infant School, Carlton Community College, St Helen’s, Hoyland, Cherrydale, Cudworth, Talbot Special School and Woolley Wood School, The Brigg Infant School.