GALE force winds caused havoc on the region's roads yesterday (Tuesday, March 31).

Police were called to the A1(M) near J60 at Sedgefield at about 4.15am after a lorry overturned on the southbound carriageway.

At about 4.30am another lorry blew over on the A19 southbound at the Leven Viaduct, near Kirklevington, which closed one lane.

The road was later shut for about an hour while the vehicle was removed.

Both drivers escaped without injury.

The A66 from Scotch Corner to Cumbria was closed to high sided vehicles in both directions for several hours, while the Transporter Bridge in Middlesbrough also closed due to the strong winds.

Elsewhere, planes had difficulty landing and taking off at Leeds Bradford Airport.

The Met Office had issued a yellow 'be aware' warning as winds of more than 50mph hit the North-East and North Yorkshire.

Heavy snow showers were reported over higher ground, particularly in the Pennines.

The strong winds were expected to ease overnight with a mixture of sunshine and showers forecast on Wednesday.