BITTERlY cold weather was forecast for the New Year last night after winter gales brought havoc to parts of northern Britain.
Winds gusting up to 85mph brought down power lines and trees while snow and sleet made driving hazardous on many roads in Scotland.
The North-East and North Yorkshire experienced winds of up to 70mph causing a number of accidents involving vehicles being blown over.
The wind also brought down electricity cables with some residents in Tow Law, County Durham, suffering a power cut.
Last night, it began snowing in Weardale.
PA WeatherCentre forecaster Rachel Vince said that snow was on the way for many parts of the north over the next few days.
"We are going to see the biting winter cold start to set in, making it a very chilly Hogmanay indeed."
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