Hundreds trapped by drifting snow

Firefighters battle to free a stranded bus on the snow-blocked A1079

One man has died and hundreds of drivers have been stranded in snowdrifts on roads in East Yorkshire.

The driver died on the A614 near Londesborough when his van collided with a lorry in what Humberside Police described as "appalling" conditions.

Meanwhile, about 200 cars were stuck at nearby Arras Hill on the blocked A1079 York to Hull road at Market Weighton.

Humberside Fire Service said crews were working to clear the road which was blocked by snow blown from fields.

Fire service spokesman Nick Grainger said the drifts were so deep in places some cars were completely buried.

'Testing conditions'

"We are digging out each vehicle one at a time," he said.

"There is a snow plough going up and down desperately trying to get the road open as more snow is blown off the fields.

"We are being tested by these conditions but we are getting there."

He said crews hoped to have the road cleared by lunchtime.

Some drivers had been prepared for bad weather and were equipped with blankets and flasks of hot drinks. Others were being provided with tea by police officers in 4x4 vehicles.

Meanwhile, about 20 vehicles were stuck on the snow-blocked A157 at Welton Le Wold near Louth in the Lincolnshire Wolds.

Sheet ice

A snow plough and the emergency services were sent out to help those stranded.

In West Yorkshire, drivers were urged not to use the M1 near Leeds after a spate of accidents caused by sheet ice.

West Yorkshire Police reported five accidents between junctions 43 with the M621 and 48 with the A1.

They advised motorists not to use the M1 between the M62 and the A1(M) on Friday morning.

In North Lincolnshire, the A1077 Ferriby Road at Barton on Humber was closed both ways due to snow between the A15 and B1207 Winteringham Road.