Snow falling in North East as winter weather sets in

Commuters are facing a bleak journey into work this morning, with slow, heavy traffic on the region's roads this morning

The weather is expected to become drier this afternoon, perhaps with some late sunny spells.

But overall it will be a cold day, made more bitter with strong winds. The Met Office is predicting a maximum temperature of 4°C.

Tonight temperatures will fall away under clear skies, with a widespread hard frost. Some ice is possible where the ground remains wet. The minimum temperature is expected to be -5°C.

Friday will be cold, crisp and frosty, perhaps with ice patches. It will be cold but sunny for most throughout, with a few snow flurries in the Pennines for a time.

Police are advising road users to take additional care on the region's roads in the current snowy road conditions across the force today. There are difficult driving conditions in places, however most roads are passable with care. Inspector Ian Cutty from Northumbria Police's Motor Patrols said: "There is snow falling in most areas across the force today, and as such drivers are advised to take care on the roads. "People should ensure they take precautions to make sure they wrap up warm and drive carefully. "We continue to monitor weather forecasts and conditions across the force and have officers out and about on the roads and in our communities this morning."