Whilst Sunderland, Newcastle and South Shields had a thin covering of snow, more rural communities such as parts of County Durham had several inches of snowfall.
In these areas, people have been have been pictured clearing their drives and streets whilst youngsters enjoyed playing in the snow.
A Met Office Weather Warning remains in place for the North East with further snow showers forecast for this afternoon, evening and night, as well as on Thursday morning.
Check out these fantastic pics as winter arrived early in the North East.
1. Snow arrives
The first snowfall of the season has arrived in the North East. | North News Photo: North News
2. Snowball time
This youngster is enjoying making and throwing snowballs. | North News & Pictures Ltd
3. Digging out the snow
People in more rural areas had to clear the snow to get their cars off their drives. | North News & Pictures Ltd
4. Shovels at the ready
Residents had to dig out their shovels to clear the snow. | North News & Pictures Ltd