BRADFORD has woken up to a blanket of snow this morning.

It comes after the Met Office issued a severe weather warning for the district. Forecasters yesterday upgraded their yellow warning to amber – the second highest – for a prolonged period of snow across all of Yorkshire and the Humber.

Bradford Council chiefs have issued safety advice to elderly and at risk people to keep warm during the cold snap. The Council has also said gritters have been out through the night, with 24 out across the district this morning. 

However, a spokesperson for the Council said: "Our bin crews are out doing their best to empty bins as normal but are having problems due to the weather in some areas, including Haworth, Cullingworth, Oxenhope, Denholme, Allerton, Oakworth and Queensbury.

"If your bin doesn't get emptied please leave it out and they will try to catch up."

Kersten England, Bradford Council's chief executive, tweeted: "Huge thanks to all in #teamBradford getting thru the snow + keeping the District running this morning inc gritters, bin crews, home care + those supporting vulnerable children + adults. #itswhatwedo."

WEATHER WARNING: When is it forecast to snow in Bradford and what time?

The Met Office said: “A weather system is expected to bring a spell of snow to parts of the UK on Friday. 

“The heaviest snowfall is expected across parts of northern England where accumulations of 5-10 cm are likely, with up to 15 cm possible over higher ground. 

“Travel delays on roads are likely, stranding some vehicles and passengers. Some delays and cancellations to rail and air travel are likely. There is a possibility that some rural communities could become temporarily cut off. Power cuts may also occur.”

It predicted heavy snowfall in Bradford at the worst possible time – from 4am until 11am – meaning drivers could face tricky conditions getting to work this morning. 

Chris Chadwick, emergency planning officer at Highways England, said: “Drivers should plan their journeys, monitor weather reports and pack a snow kit of blankets, food, water and a shovel if they really need to travel.

“Make sure you keep your distance and reduce your speed because it can be slippery if ice patches have formed, or where fresh salt has not been worked into the carriageway. Gritters are out treating our routes around the clock but it is still important to drive to the conditions when snow is forecast.”

Meanwhile, a spokesman for the car the AA said many drivers would face added problems of untreated roads.

“Drivers in residential areas are left to fend for themselves because these roads aren’t well gritted or not at all,” he said.

Rescue patrols often come across stalled or cars that have skidded on ice. He added: “We just deal and get on with it. Many people will be driving during the festive period so they need to keep their wits about them.”

Snow on ice will form which will increase the risk of serious sliding hazards. 

The AA spokesman added: “Drivers should concentrate on junctions and roundabouts because the threat of a skid is very real. Cars are likely to be hit on the side potentially causing serious harm to the occupants. Slow down well in advance and be prepared.”

With the mercury set to plummet below freezing overnight Bradford Council issued health advice to residents.

A spokesman said: “Looking out for yourself and others is essential to keeping healthy. Try to maintain indoor temperatures to at least 18ºC, particularly if you are not mobile, have an illness or are over 65.”

TRAVEL NEWS:

As of midday the Keighley Bus Company said all buses were running except the B1, which was running between Keighley and Haworth only and the B3, which was running between Keighley and Oxenhope only for the rest of the day. The company said the K1 would not be serving Devonshire Street or Red Cliffe Street and the Wharfedale Links 962/963/966 and 967 were running via the main roads only.

First West Yorkshire experienced some problems on its services, but as of 12.20pm, said all services were resuming normal routes in all directions as road conditions improved. 

Arriva said its 278 service would not be serving Rastrick or Lower Edge and would operate on main roads only.

It said its 283 service would not be serving East Bierley and the 229 would not serve Birstall Market Place.

Some arrivals and departures from Leeds Bradford Airport were also delayed.