COUNTY Durham residents woke up to a blanket of snow on Friday morning as Storm Eunice swept across the UK.

Many homes are without power as Storm Eunice continues to batter the North East bringing snow and strong winds.

Up to 70mph winds have brought further power cuts to the North East this morning.

Durham County Council gritters have been out clearing and gritting since the early hours of this morning

The Northern Echo: Gritters were out in Consett in the early hours of this morning. Picture: PAGritters were out in Consett in the early hours of this morning. Picture: PA

The Northern Echo: Snowfall in Burnopfield. Picture: North NewsSnowfall in Burnopfield. Picture: North News

The Northern Echo: Residents were out in the early hours of this morning to clear snow in Tow Law. Picture: PAResidents were out in the early hours of this morning to clear snow in Tow Law. Picture: PA

Read more: Storm Eunice LIVE - Updates from North East and Yorkshire during severe weather

A yellow weather warning is in place for the region as high winds and blizzard conditions hit the UK.

Residents in the North East can expect wind gusts between 60-70mph with chances of heavy snow on higher ground.

The weather warning for the region is in place until around 6pm.

Following impacts from Storm Eunice on Friday, conditions will remain unsettled over the weekend and into the start of next week, although much less severe.

The Northern Echo: The weather hasn't stopped people shopping at Morrisons in Consett. Picture: North NewsThe weather hasn't stopped people shopping at Morrisons in Consett. Picture: North News

The Northern Echo: A man clears his car in blizzard conditions in Consett. Picture: North NewsA man clears his car in blizzard conditions in Consett. Picture: North News

The Northern Echo: A council worker works in the snow in Consett. Picture: North NewsA council worker works in the snow in Consett. Picture: North News

The Northern Echo: A worker at the Co-op in Tow Law clears the outside area. Picture: PAA worker at the Co-op in Tow Law clears the outside area. Picture: PA

Schools across County Durham have closed today due to bad weather caused by Storm Eunice.

Motorists are facing difficult driving conditions and schools are shut for safety reasons.

The Northern Echo: A rainbow over the hills of County Durham. Picture: PAA rainbow over the hills of County Durham. Picture: PA

The Northern Echo: A snow covered landscape near Stanhope. Picture: PAA snow covered landscape near Stanhope. Picture: PA

The Northern Echo: A snow covered landscape in Consett. Picture: PAA snow covered landscape in Consett. Picture: PA

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