HEAVY snow caused havoc for drivers in the east of the region tonight.
Hundreds of motorists traveling between York and Scarborough on the A171 became stranded.
Emergency workers estimated that between three and four hundred cars stopped on the road.
A number of people left their vehicles to seek refuge in local villages.
North Yorkshire Police called Humber Coastguard for help to move the vehicles.
Coastguard rescue teams from Whitby and Robin Hoods Bay went to their aid in their 4x4s.
They worked alongside officers from North Yorkshire Police and members of Scarborough Mountain Rescue Team.
Drew Mahood, watch manager at Humber Coastguard, said: "Coastguards do not spend all of their time dealing with incidents on cliffs, at the beach or out to sea.
Our equipment is optimised for life-saving on the coast.
But it can also be used to assist in incidents of this nature, when severe weather strikes inland.
Coastguard teams from Whitby and Robin Hoods Bay responded swiftly to assist in the recovery, with rescue personnel and 4x4 vehicles.
A spokeswoman for North Yorkshire Police said: The snow just seemed to come from nowhere, but the gritters were out and we did everything we could to keep things moving.
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules here