Hartlepool Mail
Newspaper

Image source, HARTLEPOOL MAIL

Russ Ward
BBC Newcastle

BBC Newcastle's Russ Ward is in South Tyneside this morning casting his eye over conditions and it sounds like things are looking up.

"Less snow fell overnight, certainly in South Shields.

"I think the gritters and snow clearance teams have done what looks like a wonderful job."

It's been a struggle for many people to get into work over the past couple of days, but a Stanley man is among those who have come to the rescue.

David Mason's company has been transporting district nurses across the region in a 4x4 vehicle and put out a message on Facebook to raise awareness., external

His daughter, Jennifer, is a district nurse herself and she told us her dad has taken people to Newcastle's Royal Victoria Infirmary and Wansbeck General in Ashington.

Image source, David Mason

The Met Office amber warning for snow across the North East has been extended to 10:00 tomorrow., external

It had been due to stop at 18:00 tonight.

Image source, Met Oiffice

BBC Newcastle

It's looking chilly in Hexham this morning - BBC Newcastle's Doug Morris has tweeted this picture of icicles.

Of course it's not just schoolchildren who are forced to stay at home when the weather is like it is - heavy snow makes it tough for many people to get to work.

So what are your rights if you can't make it into the office, factory or shop? Will you lose pay or have to take a day's holiday?

Helpfully, the BBC Business team have the answers.

Image source, Getty Images

Paul Mooney
BBC Weather

It's a bitterly cold start and things will stay that way throughout the day, although snow showers may be slightly less widespread than yesterday.

In terms of temperatures, you'll be lucky if you beat 0C and it will feel raw in the easterly wind.

BBC Newcastle

Pupils at hundreds of schools in the region are likely to be staying at home for a second day.

About 700 schools closed their doors yesterday after snow and black ice caused major problems on the region's roads.

Simon Kennedy is the North East regional organiser of teaching union NASUWT and told us: "The days of teachers living on the doorstep and being able to walk to school are long gone.

"Most travel in and if they're stuck in traffic miles away that has a knock-on effect on the safety of the children at school."

Farmer Emma Spry sent us this video of her view in Teesdale today.

We're willing to bet getting about by sledge will be more fun than car today.

The Press Association's Owen Humphreys has been out and about again in Whitley Bay and took this image earlier this morning.

Image source, PA

Hundreds of schools will be closed for the second day today.

There are too many to list them all so here is the link so you can see them in each area:

Newcastle school closures, external

Darlington school closures, external

Durham school closures, external

Hartlepool school closures, external

Northumberland school closures, external

Gateshead school closures, external

Stockton school closures, external

Middlesbrough school closures, external

North Tyneside school closures, external

South Tyneside school closures, external

Redcar and Cleveland school closures, external

North Yorkshire snow closures, external

Here is an update from Durham Police on what is happening on the county's roads:

• Damage has been cause to the A66 snow gates so the road may at first appear open but it remains closed
• A number of collisions on the A19 between Dalton Park and Peterlee mean there is slow-moving traffic on both carraiageways
• Both carriageways of the A1 are down to 40mph betrween Junctions 60 and 62
• They are urging drivers to stick to the speed limits in place and say altjhough conditions are slightly better than yesterday they are still treacherous.

Gilly Hope
BBC Travel

There's been an accident on South Newsham Road eastbound at the A1061 South Newsham Road junction in Cramlington due to snow.