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Heavy snow prompts travel warning Heavy snow prompts travel warning
(about 2 hours later)
Motorists across north-east England are being advised not to travel unless absolutely necessary after heavy snowfall overnight.Motorists across north-east England are being advised not to travel unless absolutely necessary after heavy snowfall overnight.
Roads across Northumberland, Tyne and Wear, County Durham and Teesside have been affected, with up to four inches (10cm) in places.Roads across Northumberland, Tyne and Wear, County Durham and Teesside have been affected, with up to four inches (10cm) in places.
The snow has fallen on ice, making driving conditions particularly treacherous, said police.The snow has fallen on ice, making driving conditions particularly treacherous, said police.
Some parts of eastern Cumbria have also been hit by the bad weather.Some parts of eastern Cumbria have also been hit by the bad weather.
Anyone who does travel is urged to plan their journey and be prepared for disruption. The areas worst affected are North Tyneside and western and eastern Northumberland, where main routes are passable with care.
The Highways Agency said drivers should carry a blanket, warm clothes, food, a warm drink and a shovel. Conditions on rural roads are "horrendous", according to Northumbria Police.
Sgt Steve Pick from Northumbria Police told BBC Newcastle: "The roads in the Northumberland area are particularly bad. Sgt Steve Pick told BBC Newcastle: "What we're suggesting is that people don't travel. If you need to travel, take the necessary precautions.
"Main roads are passable with a great deal of care and the normal, little, local roads are really un-passable at the moment.
"What we're suggesting is that people don't travel. If you need to travel, take the necessary precautions.
"Make sure you have a mobile phone, leave plenty of time for the journey and take a great deal of care.""Make sure you have a mobile phone, leave plenty of time for the journey and take a great deal of care."
The snow had eased in some parts by about midday, but more is forecast for Saturday and Sunday. However, no major accidents or road closures have been reported.
Roads across the North East have been affected
Sgt Pick added: "The roads are quiet. There are not many motorists out and about and I think people are heeding the warnings about not driving."
In the Durham and Teesside areas, main roads have been gritted and are passable with care, though many minor routes remain problematic.
Anyone who does travel is urged to plan their journey and be prepared for disruption.
The Highways Agency said drivers should carry a blanket, warm clothes, food, a hot drink and a shovel.
More snow is forecast for north-east England on Saturday and Sunday.