Residents wake to heavy snowfall

Heavy snow fell in the Ladybower area of Sheffield. Picture: Dr Paddy Oates

Residents across parts of South Yorkshire woke to find heavy snowfall with scenes more reminiscent of winter than a spring day.

At Ladybower, west of Sheffield, about 10cm (3.9in) of snow fell overnight resulting in a heavy covering on open land and untreated roads.

Further north on the edge of the Pennine hills at Penistone, near Barnsley, about 7cm (2.7in) fell.

South Yorkshire Police said all main routes in the county were passable.

Wayne Southall, who organises the gritting operation in Sheffield, said the snow was expected to clear quite quickly.

"At this time of year we have quite a high sun so once that sun gets up and the temperature gets back in the roads, it's going to quickly get on top of the situation.

"It's just that first hour after the sun has come up that we have relatively cold roads.

"The temperatures aren't too bad, its just that there is quite a lot of cold and snow and sleet on the roads and it is slippery."