It’s ‘snow-go’ as first flurries of year bring traffic misery

KEY ROUTES INCLUDING HOUGHTON CUT COME TO STANDSTILL AS SEVERE CONDITIONS AFFECT MOTORISTS

It was a case of ‘snow go’ for many motorists across Wearside and the wider region as winter weather brought misery to our roads.

Commuters faced chaos as some of the busiest routes were brought to a virtual stand still yesterday by the snow.

Among the worst affected areas was Hough ton Cut on the A690.

In the morning, Northumbria Police confirmed that they had to close the A690 at Hough ton east bound from the A 182 after cars were becoming stuck due to the bad weather.

The severe weather also meant the westbound carriageway was down to a single lane.

Lorries could be seen stuck on the bank, while gritters were dispatched to the area in a bid to get things moving again.

But by yesterday evening, there were further problems on the same stretch of road as fresh snowfall during the afternoon once again made Houghton Cut difficult for motorists.

There was also slow going on the A19 as adverse weather made it challenging for motorists.

And it was no better on the A1(M) where, at one point during the morning, southbound drivers faced an hourlong journey just to travel the relatively short distance between Washington Services and the A690 turn-off, with speeds limited to as little as five miles per hour on long stretches.

There were also delays on the A 1( M) north bound heading towards Durham.

The severe weather, which is expected to continue over the weekend with a further Yellow weather warning issued by the Met Office.

A further warning has already been issued by forecasters for the early hours of Monday, giving advance warning that rain could be set to turn to snow.

The long-range forecast for next week predicts that temperatures will be slightly milder, with a possibility of showers.