SNOW showers have fallen across the region this morning, with bitterly cold winds sweeping in from the west.

Stanley and Consett, in County Durham, experienced heavy falls this morning, while it has been particularly severe on higher ground.

A yellow ‘be aware’ weather warning for snow has been updated to include parts of Northumberland.

Today is forecast to be cloudy with heavy rains or showers for most, with snow likely mainly over the hills.

It will be a rather cloudy day with heavy rain or showers for most with snow likely, mainly over the hills.

Scotland is expected to face the worst of the weather, with forecasters predicting 60mph winds and eight inches of snow.

Looking ahead, The Met Office says although the weather will become slightly milder into the weekend it is a stormier picture ahead.

Britain’s weather will come under the influence the Atlantic bringing strong winds, rain and hail to parts of the UK.

Tomorrow (Saturday) is expected to offer the best of the he Bank Holiday weather with highs of 10-12C and sunny spells.

But another belt of wetter weather looks set to pass over the North-East on Sunday, while temperatures are forecast to be back to average for the time of year, at 11-12C.

Bank Holiday Monday promises to be stormy, with strong southerly winds coupled with heavy downpours.