The Met Office have extended a snow and ice warning in place for much of the North East coast today.

The warning is now in place from midnight this morning until 12pm on Friday afternoon.

It was originally in place until Midday on Thursday (December 15) but has now been extended.

Warnings say that roads and railways will likely be affected and the forecaster has warned of longer journey times by road, bus and train services.

Injuries from slips and falls could be likely on icy surfaces.

Read more: Met Office forecast: Will the North East see more snow this week?

There’s also a risk of icy patches on roads, pavements and cycle paths on untreated pavements.

Cold and freezing temperatures are set to continue throughout the week leading to mostly icy conditions and some wintery showers.

However, according to the Met Office, dry weather will be the most prevalent meaning we are unlikely to see similar snowfall as last week.

It comes as the coldest night of the year so far was broken for the second night in a row.

Braemer, in Aberdeenshire, was the coldest place in the UK on Tuesday night, recording a low of minus 17.3C, breaking Monday’s record of minus 15.7C.

The next coldest temperature on Tuesday night was also recorded in Aberdeenshire, at minus 14.9C in Balmoral.

Meanwhile two schools in County Durham were forced to close today amid the weather warnings.

Read more: Two County Durham schools closed today amid Met Office snow warning

Langley Moor Nursery School on Brandon Lane in Langley Moor, County Durham is one of two schools temporarily closed today.

The reason for the closure is due to a broken boiler and the school is set to reopen tomorrow morning (Wednesday, December 14).

Ropery Walk Primary School in Seaham has also closed its doors temporarily today after burst water pipes.

The school is also expected to be reopened tomorrow morning (Wednesday, December 14).

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