NORTH Yorkshire road users are being advised to consider whether they need to travel today as Storm Barra set to bring strong winds and heavy rain to the region.

Storm Barra is set to bring strong winds and heavy rain today into the afternoon before clearing to the North-East in the evening.

North Yorkshire County Council have advised that anyone planning to travel to consider whether they need to.

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Although the storm is not forecast to be as bad as Storm Arwen at the end of November, it is set to bring gusts of 45 to 50 miles per hour, possibly set to increase to between 55 to 65 miles per hour in the afternoon.

The heavy rain may turn to snow, especially over higher ground, which may cause drifting and poor visibility.

THE Met Office have issued a yellow warning for wind and snow set to hit the North East and North Yorkshire today as Storm Barra closes in to the UK.

The weather forecaster have issued a yellow warning for wind between 9am and midnight tomorrow, expecting “strong winds” with potential travel disruption.

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The warning indicates that snow is most likely in the Harrogate and Leyburn areas.

North Yorkshire County Councillor Don Mackenzie, executive member for access, said: “As always, our highways teams are ready to respond to any conditions that arise, supported by our 100 farming contractors, should their help be needed in clearing snow on higher ground.

“We also have emergency response crews ready to react to incidents on the roads network.

“While the impact of Storm Barra is not forecast to be as severe as Storm Arwen at the end of November, we would advise anyone planning to travel to consider whether they need to.

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“If they do, they should be alert to the conditions and leave extra time for their journey.”

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