IT could drop to below minus 12C in Darlington tonight, in this the coldest spell for years. The sky is thick and laden with the white stuff ready to fall, as snowflakes or hailstones, like it has done for the last few days. More than a foot of snow now covers pathways and off street roads, making it difficult to get about by car, walking or public transport.

Overnight, severe frost, ice and freezing fog are set to blight the neighbourhood with no sign of a let up. Snow showers are forecast across the town throughout the night. These will tend to be light. Treacherous black ice and falling temperatures combine with the wind to produce particularly hazardous conditions towards the morning rush hour.

As the lethal cold weather grips hold, chaos reigns for ordinary commuters as travel grinds to freeze pace. Local road main routes are affected, as are the rail services and Tees Durham Valley Airport, which has not opened today. Not since November 1965 has the snow been so deep. With an altitude of 50 metres Darlington is experiencing mountain like conditions.

Simon King, weather forecaster at the BBC said: “Snow showers and plummeting temperatures in the towns and cities combine to produce an exceptionally cold night.”

To the west of the UK an area of high pressure is sucking in cold air from Scandinavia, making living conditions like the arctic. By 9.00 am Friday, it may be sunny due to a break in the cloud cover but treacherously icy.

Met Office sever weather warnings, last updated at 17:55 said: “Heavy snow will fall over parts of eastern England tonight.” In addition, “There is a risk of severe weather affecting parts of England and Wales. A band of rain, sleet and snow will cross from the west later in the day, with snow accumulations of between two and five centimetres in places. Widespread icy stretches are likely to form, as rain, sleet and snow falls onto sub-zero surfaces.

As commuters try to make their way to work, the advise is beware and be prepared. Only take to the roads if it is absolutely essential, take a shovel, a mobile phone and keep warm. Tees Durham Valley Airport information services said: “Passengers due to fly should check the latest information about their route direct with the Airline or Tour Operator before setting off for the airport.”

Delays are expected. Roadwork during the night will ensure that the westbound-A66 (M) for north Yorkshire is closed between Blackwell roundabout and the A1 (M) Junction 57 Darlington. One lane is closed on the southbound County Durham A1 (M) because of an accident between junctions J60 and J59, but may be open before daylight. The westbound and eastbound A66 in County Durham is now closed between the junctions with the A1 and the A685, due to an incident. It is anticipated that the road will not be open until after 10.00am on Friday morning.East coast services from Darlington rail station are disrupted throughout the north of England. Journey times are extended.

The cold spell is set to last for a few more days. People are anxious as to what will happen with the melt water when the thaw comes. It is not easy to predict future weather patterns or conditions. With the depth of snow greater than at any other time in recent history, a white Christmas may still be possible