Leeds man shares photo of 'lethal' black ice covering road and pavement as ice warning issued

A severe cold and ice weather alert issued for the whole of Yorkshire and the Humber until Friday by the Met Office, and Leeds City Council's emergency team has warned black ice poses a "serious risk".

Paul Nuttall captured this photo of black ice covering the road and pavement in Chapel Allerton on Sunday, at the corner of School Lane and Henconner Lane.

He said: "It was the same along Methley Drive and Harrogate Road by the school - the dog looked like she was on a treadmill at times.

"I was holding onto the school railings on School Lane and Harrogate Road - it was all black ice, road and paths.

"On Harrogate Road the Yorkshire stone flags were lethal."

Council gritting teams have been gritting primary routes, key cycle routes and some city centre paved areas this week.

According to the council's website: "The salt spreading routes include all the main roads, most other busy roads, most bus routes as well as access to hospitals and emergency services.

"These are always salted when ice or snow is forecast and get priority attention during prolonged wintry weather.

"Once we have treated these roads then we will begin to treat other roads. We aim to salt footpaths and paved areas if there is snow or frost over a longer period."

The Met Office issued an amber 'severe weather action' alert on Monday, which requires social and healthcare services to target specific actions at high-risk groups.

There is a 90% chance of severe cold weather and icy conditions until 9am on Friday across the county, which could increase the health risks to vulnerable patients and disrupt the delivery of services.

The Met Office said: "The ongoing spell of cold weather is expected to continue this week, with northeasterly winds affecting the country.

"Average temperatures are expected to be low single figures over the coming days, with a slight downward trend through the week, especially for eastern areas.

"The Amber alert currently encompasses Northern England, but this will be reviewed through the week if the risk increases for central and southern parts of England.

"Widespread overnight frosts are expected, along with showers; these mainly focused in northern and eastern coastal areas.

"Where showers move inland, they are likely to turn wintry, mainly over hills.

"The main hazardous conditions over this period are from severe cold and icy conditions.

"No disruptive snowfall is expected in major population centres at this time."

The Met Office has issued the following advice:

- Look out for friends and family who may be vulnerable to the cold, and ensure they have access to warm food and drinks and are managing to heat their homes adequately.

- Try to maintain indoor temperatures to at least 18°C, particularly if you are not mobile, have a long-term illness or are 65 or over.

- Avoid exposing yourself to cold or icy outdoor conditions if you are at a higher risk of cold-related illness or falls and stay up to date with the latest weather forecasts on the Met Office website.

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