LIVE updates as flooding closes off A19 and firefighters help save houses from water
The downpour is causing disruption across the roads today, leading to closures and diversions.
An early closure of the A19 sliproad at the A690 in Sunderland was expanded to take in a stretch from the County Durham border due to the hazardous weather conditions.
Homes in Houghton have also been effected by flooding.
Emergency services are working to help manage the incidents, while the Met Office has issued a new yellow warning for snow and ice.
We’ll bring you the latest throughout the day as the situation develops.