POLICE have advised motorists to drive only if necessary as snow falls across the county.

Roads at higher ground are causing particular concern due to icy conditions and motorists are advised not to risk travelling.

Police have received numerous reports today of abandoned vehicles and minor road traffic collisions.

The A684 is currently closed in both directions from Kendal to Sedbergh due to dangerous road conditions.

North Yorkshire Police said around five inches of snow has fallen at Settle, Ingleton, Clapham and Hawes.

Earlier today a warning for snow and ice was issued for the whole of Cumbria tonight.

It comes after gusts of 70mph hit the region overnight. 

The Met Office warning runs from 6pm until 10am tomorrow.

"A cold westerly flow, originally sourced from Canada, brings a mix of sleet, snow and hail showers later on Sunday and overnight," said the chief forecaster. 

"Once we lose the effects of daytime sunshine, snow will start to accumulate more widely, and along with ice may present some problems, in particular for road travel on Monday morning. This seems most likely for parts of Scotland, Northern Ireland and cross Pennine routes.

"Problems should reduce steadily further into Monday morning, as the March sunshine gets to work on melting the snow."

Flood alerts from the Environment Agency are also in place for the rivers Brathay, Rothay and Winster, as well as Upper River Derwent, Stonethwaite Beck and Derwent Water.