Police have issued a warning to motorists after heavy snow has fallen this afternoon in rural County Durham.

Durham Constabulary have warned drivers to avoid rural roads in Stanhope and Middleton-in-Teesdale this afternoon (March 1) following a period of heavy snowfall.

Pictures snapped on weather cameras by Durham County Council show the snowfall so far which has covered a nearby field as temperatures drop to freezing.

The Northern Echo: Heavy snowfall on the B6277.Heavy snowfall on the B6277. (Image: DURHAM COUNTY COUNCIL)

Currently, the Met Office is predicting the snow is set to continue in Stanhope well into the evening and turn foggy into the small hours.

Here's what the forecast is this evening.

5pm: 2C with 70% chance of precipitation

6pm: 0C with 90% chance of precipitation

7pm: 0C with 90% chance of precipitation

8pm: 1C with 60% chance of precipitation

9pm: 1C with 20% chance of precipitation

10pm: 0C with <5% chance of precipitation

11pm: 0C with <5% chance of precipitation

12am: 0C with <5% chance of precipitation

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The forecaster says: "A band of rain and hill snow continues to move northwards this evening.

"Becoming drier from the south overnight, with some clear spells developing by dawn. Turning chilly, with a widespread frost and risk of icy patches forming.

"Winds easing. Minimum temperature -3 °C."