NORTH-EAST communities are braced for more travel disruption as snow, rain and freezing conditions continues to sweep across the UK on the back of the coldest night in nearly two years

Wintry showers and icy conditions arrived on Sunday after a weather warning was issued by the Met Office.

A yellow weather warning for snow and ice is in place for the North-East, with fresh snowfall on existing compacted snow on minor roads causing problems for motorists.

Police have this afternoon warned motorists that road conditions on the A66 between Bowes and Brough are becoming increasingly hazardous.

Emergency services have already been called to reports of two collisions. They have urged people to only make essential journeys and take care whilst on the roads.

A Met Office spokesman warned that some roads and railways likely to be affected today, with longer journey times by road, bus and train services.

He also warned of icy patches on some untreated roads, pavements and cycle paths, increasing risk of fall injuries.

Temperatures plummeted overnight on Saturday-Sunday, with a low of -13.5C (7.7F) recorded in the Highland village of Dalwhinnie, while freezing temperatures were recorded as far south as London Luton Airport.

The weather has also prompted a series of flood warnings to be issued by the Environment Agency across the UK.

Devon and Cornwall Police said heavy rainfall caused localised flooding and landslides, while properties in Kentisbury, Swimbridge and Landkey in Barnstaple were evacuated.

Traffic Scotland yesterday urged drivers to check their routes before setting off and to ensure they were carrying emergency supplies in case they get stuck.

Glasgow Airport was temporarily closed on Sunday so the runway could be cleared following heavy snow.

North Wales Police also warned of poor conditions on the roads due to snow and ice, particularly on routes in Snowdonia.

Meanwhile, the Mountain Road was closed on the Isle of Man due to snow.

Some parts of the country, including areas in Somerset, experienced localised flooding.

Despite the frigid temperatures in the far north, the mercury rose to 11C in the (52F) in the far south west of England.

Met Office forecaster Steven Keate said the near 20C (46F) difference, caused as warmer air moves in, was "pretty unusual for the UK".

"The broad theme is it is turning milder from the west, but before we get there some snow will fall," he said.