Heavy snow set to hit the region

The Met Office has issued a yellow severe weather warning for blankets of snow across the region.

Although it looks like coastal areas, including Sunderland, South Tyneside and Hartlepool, will miss the worst of the weather, places on higher ground in Durham and Northumberland could be hit.

The yellow, be aware, warning was issued by the Met Office with forecasters saying outbreaks of rain are likely to turn to sleet or snow in places during this morning.

A spokesman for the Met Office, said: "At lower elevations, a slushy cover of up to a centimetre or so is possible. Please be aware of the potential for some difficult driving conditions overnight and into the Wednesday morning rush hour."