The Met Office has issued a Level 3 weather warning from Monday morning until 12pm on Thursday 23rd December.
The severe cold weather alert covers the entirety of the North East as well as Yorkshire and the North West with other parts of England under Levels 1 and 2.
The agency is advising people to keep an eye out for each other as challenging weather conditions could pose problems to at risk groups such as the elderly or vulnerable.
Go here for the very latest breaking news updates from across the North East
A Level 3 or Amber weather alert could mean travel delays, road and rail closures, interruption to power and the potential risk to life and property.
There is a low chance for snow and ice to arrive later in the week, especially on higher ground.
Advice: Look out for friends and family who may be vulnerable to the cold, and ensure they have access to warm food and drinks and are managing to heat their homes adequately. Try to maintain indoor temperatures to at least 18°C, particularly if you are not mobile, have a long-term illness or are 65 or over. Avoid exposing yourself to cold or icy outdoor conditions if you are at a higher risk of cold-related illness or falls and stay up to date with the latest weather forecasts on the Met Office website
If you want more information about how cold weather can affect your health please visit www.nhs.uk. If you are concerned about your health or somebody you care for, advice can be obtained from www.nhs.uk/winterhealth, NHS 111 or your local pharmacist.
More information can be found at the Cold Weather Plan for England page
