Latest details of all school closures in Middlesbrough today are now available on the council's website., external

Once again, the list is extensive.

BBC Newcastle

Some drivers had to spend the night in their cars on the A1 in north Northumberland.

Chris was among those we spoke to and he explained how bad the situation was.

He said: "I've not seen conditions like it. Snow drifts of 10 feet are no exaggeration. I've driven past it.

"It really is amazing."

Gordon Thackeray, of Highways England, added: "We've had big problems with drifting.

"It's been very challenging for our drivers."

This was one of the photos Northumbria Police tweeted yesterday to show how bad conditions were on the A1.

Image source, NORTHUMBRIA POLICE

BBC Tees
www.bbc.co.uk/BBCTees

Hundreds of schools across the BBC Tees region are staying shut for the third day running today because of severe weather conditions. Teesside University will also stay closed today.

An amber warning for snow is in force until 10:00. Most roads have now been reopened but the A66 is still closed due to snow between Scotch Corner and Brough.

Problems are expected on the trains again this morning with delays and diversions on Transpennine, Northern and Virgin routes. Passengers are urged to check before they travel.

Colin Briggs
Look North

It's not over yet. An amber weather warning remains in place for this morning's rush hour for most of the North East.

There's also a yellow warning through the rest of the day as high winds and temperatures just on or below freezing remain the norm.

Some drivers stranded on the A1 in north Northumberland were forced to spend last night in their vehicles.

Northumbria Police recovered hundreds of cars and lorries stuck in snow and ice on the A1 and surrounding routes, and a reception centre was set up in Alnwick to offer shelter.

A group of elderly coach passengers are believed to have spent the night there after being stranded on the road for more than eight hours.

Drivers are still being urged to avoid the route between Morpeth and the Scottish border.

The A1 is still closed between Alnwick and Berwick in Northumberland, Northumbria Police say.

The road was closed yesterday afternoon and police say they are working to support stranded motorists.

Good morning. Hope you're managing to stay warm and fingers crossed the worst is nearly over in the North East.

We'll being you all the latest travel and weather updates along with other news and sport.

If you want to get in touch with any news or send us photos you can Tweet us, external, contact us via our Facebook page, external or email us.

Thank you for joining us for what has been another cold and snowy day.

Our updates have finished for the evening but this page will be updated with any breaking news and travel during the night.

You can also stay up to date with BBC Tees, BBC Newcastle and Look North.

There's still a Met Office amber warning for snow, external, so be careful out there.

We'll be back from about 06:00 on Friday morning, until then we leave you with some hardy fellow northerners who need more than a bit of snow to start wrapping up...

Good night.

Northumbria Police has advised motorists to only drive if absolutely necessary in what it describes as atrocious road conditions.

Here is the latest update from the force:

• A1 - closed to all traffic between Alnwick and Berwick – we are aware of a number of motorists that may be stuck in this area and are working to get to them as soon as possible. Partner agencies and volunteers are working to reach stranded motorists, and an emergency reception centre is open at the Willowburn centre for anyone that need assistance in Alnwick.
• A1 – Between Morpeth and Alnwick – is poor condition with snow drifts being blown from fields onto the carriageway.
• A697 - Northumberland County Council are working to clear the road, however the latest assessment is that the road is impassable Northbound in the area of Fenrother.
• A68/A696 - closed to all traffic heading Northbound towards Scotland.
• A1068 – poor conditions heading North from the Widdrington area.

Council officers in Hartlepool are urging residents to remain vigilant after a man was conned out of £180 to have his path cleared of snow.

Relatives of the elderly man alerted the council's trading standards team, which is investigating.

Trading standards and licensing manager, Ian Harrison, said: “Even in these very wintry conditions, it seems there are some people who will not stop targeting the elderly and vulnerable.

"During the adverse weather, I would ask everyone to keep in regular contact with their elderly or vulnerable friends and relatives to ensure they are staying safe, warm and do not fall victim to opportunist conmen such as these."

Drivers are being warned to avoid the A1 in Northumberland, which remains shut between Alnwick and the Scottish border.

Northumbria Police said conditions remain "atrocious" and people should only travel if absolutely necessary.

Anyone stuck on the major route is advised to keep car doors shut and remain warm, and await assistance.

Image source, Northumbria Police

Officers have released a pony stuck in snow and ice.

This was snapped by Michael McClarron in Kielder, Northumberland.

We think his car is in there somewhere too.

Image source, Michael McClarron

Image source, Michael McClarron

Durham Police said there had been 20 separate crashes on one stretch of the A19 in an hour.

Shields ferry service suspended for the rest of the evening.

There are still flood warnings for the North Sea at Whitley Bay, Cullercoats and Tynemouth.

Moderate spring tides combined with strong onshore winds are causing large waves and spray. This may cause localised standing water on roads.

Drivers are being urged not to drive through flood water or large waves.

Similarly some overtopping and wind-blown spray is expected at North Shields Western Quay Promenade, as a result of spring tides, accompanied by strong winds generating large waves.

This may cause localised standing water on roads and walkways.

Ah, scratch that message from earlier, the CEO Sleepout at Newcastle United's St James' Park is now cancelled: