More than 20,000 households are still without power this morning after storms brought down lines across the north of England.

Northern Powergrid said 21,250 homes in the North East, Yorkshire and Lincolnshire, external were still without power after Storm Arwen hit on Friday.

Friday's storm was so severe, that sections of overhead lines will need to be rebuilt after they were downed in winds of up 98mph.

The Energy Networks Association described the destruction of electricity lines as the worst seen in Britain since 2005.

Rod Gardner, Northern Powergrid's major incident manager, said: "The impact from Storm Arwen has been one of the worst we've experienced in the last 20 years."

Some shop owners are worried that rules which mean people must wear masks in shops in England from today may have a serious impact on business.

Image source, The Dressing Room

Face coverings have become mandatory again as a precaution against the new Omicron variant of coronavirus.

Two sisters from Leeds, who own The Dressing Room fashion boutique, say they worry customers won't come in if they have to wear a mask.

Katie Pitts said: "We've got a lot of lovely customers who have helped us through a tough time, but people are a bit frustrated.

"We're a non-essential retailer, so if they don't feel like wearing a mask, they might not come in."

Although the boutique has a website, 70% of all sales still come from footfall to the store as customers prefer to try on clothing before they buy, Ms Pitt says.

Violence and verbal abuse against retail and hospitality staff is at an all-time high, studies show.

BBC Weather

Today will be a rather cloudy, milder, day, with sunny spell at times and patchy rain.

This afternoon should become drier.

Tonight a band of rain will arrive from the west, bringing outbreaks of heavy rain at times:

A broken-down vehicle is causing long traffic queues on the M62 in West Yorkshire this morning.

Image source, National Highways

There's currently six miles of congestion on the eastbound carriageway between junction 29 and junction 32, according to National Highways, Yorkshire., external

Motorists are being advised to plan ahead.

Normal traffic conditions are expected between 09:45 and 10:00.

catch-up on the coverage from the third round of the UK Snooker Championship at the Barbican in York.

Convicted murderer Steven Gallant was on day release when he helped stop a knifeman's rampage.

A court hears the ex-footballer launched a post-match tunnel attack against an opposing manager.

A review found street names and public art in Sheffield "perpetuate racist messages".

A mystery Sheffield artist with the white stuff re-makes the classic Venus de Milo statue.

A man critically injured in a crash on the A63 near Melton has died in hospital, police say.

A Covid vaccine team which delivered 700 jabs by torchlight after a power cut has been praised for their efforts.

Image source, Lorraine Boyd

Temporary lighting and a generator were brought into the Galtres Centre at Easingwold in North Yorkshire, on Saturday, following the loss of electricity.

Writing on social media, external Lorraine Boyd, a GP and director of York Teaching Hospital NHS Foundation Trust, said: "So proud of the Galtres Vaccination Team today.

"Almost 700 Covid vaccinations delivered in spite of an all day power cut.

"Great community support with temporary lighting, generator and hot drinks."

The Corporation Road Bridge was lifted ahead of a £5m programme of works to restore it.

Asad Rashid died in a crash between two cars and two motorcyclists in Cheshire in September 2020.

Previous incumbent Philip Allott resigned over comments he made after the murder of Sarah Everard.

The hunt is on for a mystery artist after a snow sculpture of the Venus de Milo appeared in a Sheffield park.

Image source, Endcliffe Park Café

Staff at the cafe in Endcliffe Park say the representation of the Greek goddess appeared on Sunday.

Despite much speculation as to the identity of the ice sculptor, no-one has yet owned up to creating the snowy statue.

Image source, PA Images

The original Venus de Milo, one of the most famous works of ancient Greek culture, has been on display at the Louvre in Paris since 1820.

The ice version in Sheffield is not expected to last as long...

Image source, Endcliffe Park Café

An image has been released by police after a man was punched, kicked and stamped on outside a Lincolnshire McDonald's.

Image source, Lincolnshire Police

The victim in his 20s was attacked outside McDonald's on the Cornhill in Lincoln at about 02:45 on 16 November, officers said.

A spokesperson for Lincolnshire Police said: "A man with short blonde hair and wearing a blue jacket, approached another man and punched him in the face.

"The victim’s head was then stamped on by the offender."

Anyone who recognises the man in the image is being urged to contact police as they believe he may have information about the incident.

Back-rower Elliot Minchella is aiming to return for Hull KR in Super League round one against Wigan, after a knee injury.

Leeds boss Marcelo Bielsa says he is concerned for football because fixture congestion is having an impact on the "product".

Val Wood, who has written 27 novels, said she felt "stifled" with fear during the pandemic.

Richard Madden
BBC Radio Humberside

The landmark bridge on Grimsby's Corporation Road has been raised for checks ahead of a major restoration project.

Engineers, who are bidding for the £5m project contract, are inspecting the lifting mechanism and the underside of the structure.

The final project, due to get under way in February 2022, will see a major deep-clean, corrosion repair, electrical upgrades, resurfacing and painting.

Previous attempts to lift the Grade II listed bridge had failed after issues with debris and heat expansion but today's attempt was a success.

Councillor Stewart Swinburn, portfolio holder for environment and transport, says: "This landmark is so important to Grimsby and this is a major step before restoration work begins next year."