Blizzards wreak road chaos

Snow falls caused problems on several roads

Roads across northern England were brought to a standstill as blizzards caused havoc across the region.

A man was killed when his car slid off the A19 near Durham and crashed into a lamppost while on the A69 near Newcastle three lorries jackknifed in the treacherous conditions.

Gusting winds whipped the snow flurries into furious blizzards making some roads in Cumbria, Northumberland and North Yorkshire impassable.

Two helicopters sent by the RAF to attend a vehicle pile-up in Yorkshire were forced to land because of appalling weather conditions.

Heavy snowfalls were seen in North Yorkshire

The Sea Kings were brought to the ground twice before reaching the scene of the accident on the A1, six miles south of Leeming shortly after 0800 GMT on Saturday.

They had attended along other emergency services to rescue injured motorists from separate accidents which snarled up the A1.

At around 0740 GMT, police officers were called to a six-car pile-up on the northbound carriageway near to Dishforth, North Yorkshire.

They arrived to discover a 23-vehicle smash near the reported accident, involving cars, lorries and vans.

Sudden storm

Thirteen people were injured, three seriously. One was flown by RAF helicopter to St James' Hospital in Leeds, the other two to the Friarage Hospital in Northallerton.

One was later transferred to Middlesbrough General Hospital. The other 10 did not suffer serious injuries.

Police were later called to a 14-vehicle accident on the A1 southbound carriageway near to RAF Leeming.

Two people were taken to the Friarage Hospital suffering from minor injuries where they were treated and later released.

Both lanes of the A1 were closed to allow emergency vehicles to attend both accidents.

Police believe a sudden snow storm may have been the cause of the accidents on the northbound carriageway.

We will not be surprised over the course of this weekend to see several more rescue situations

RAF spokesman

A spokesman said: "We understand that there was sunshine which suddenly turned into a blizzard. We think that snow may have been a factor."

An RAF spokesman said: "The aircrews did exceptionally well in dreadful conditions.

"On days like this with roads blocked because of snow our helicopters will always do everything they can to get through and get people to hospital quickly.

"We will not be surprised over the course of this weekend to see several more rescue situations."

Although both main railways lines between England and Scotland were reopened, many services were cancelled on the west coast line which was reduced to a single track.

Rowers rescued

With strong winds and snow showers expected to continue throughout Saturday, the Meteorological Office warned driving conditions would be treacherous.

Met Office spokesman John Wylie urged drivers to slow down and said: "They are heavy snow showers, so while you may be driving along and conditions aren't too bad, those showers will bring visibility down very quickly."

Five rowers were rescued from the River Thames in London after heavy swells overturned their boat.

The RNLI said its Chiswick lifeboat was called to Wandsworth Bridge where the five had been training.

Three of the rowers were taken to hospital for treatment for exposure.