THE A66 has been closed this morning due to heavy snow on the trans-Pennine route.
The road is shut in both directions between the A1(M) at Scotch Corner and the A685 at Brough.
The closure came as National Highways issued a severe weather alert for snow affecting the North of England and the West Midlands throughout today until 6pm.
A spokesperson said: "Road users intending to travel through the affected regions are being advised to check the weather forecast and road conditions before travelling.
"National Highways is working closely with the Met Office in monitoring the weather conditions and due to the forecast we have issued a severe weather alert for snow.
"Please take extra care and allow plenty of extra journey time. In accordance with current guidelines, please consider whether your journey is absolutely necessary before setting off."
Some vehicles are understood to be stranded on the A66 and authorities have deployed ploughs and gritters to clear and salt the road, but motorists are asked to find alternative routes for their journeys this morning.
The #A66 is currently in the process of being closed between #A1(M) #ScotchCorner and #A685 #Brough due to heavy snow. Please take care on approach and consider alternative routes where possible. We have gritters out salting and ploughing the road. #UKSnow #WeatherAware pic.twitter.com/nu8r66c4Ge
— National Highways: North-East (@HighwaysNEAST) January 7,
A spokesperson said: "National Highways Traffic Officers are in attendance to assist with traffic management. Recovery are on scene removing stranded vehicles and gritters are also in attendance to treat the carriageway.
"Road users are advised to allow extra time for their journeys and to consider using the A69 as an alternative route.
"There is currently a Met Office yellow severe weather warning for snow and ice in place across the North West and North East regions so please take care if travelling in those areas.
"If this closure impacts on your planned route, please allow extra journey time. Plan ahead, you may wish to re-route or even delay your journey."
As this image from a weather camera shows, snow is currently falling and the road suface and visibility is very poor.
Further information is available from National Highways by visiting the trafficengland.com website and travel apps the 24/7 contact centre team can available to provide up to the minute information on 0300-1235000.
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