WEATHER forecasters warned the region to batten down the hatches last night as winter prepared to return with a vengeance.

The unseasonally mild weather is set to come to an abrupt end tomorrow, when freezing winds bring with them the threat of snow and blizzards.

Before then, the forecast for today warns of strong winds, gusting up to 60mph at times.

The Met Office issued a warning to the North-East and North Yorkshire yesterday evening urging people to take care.

A spokesman said: "Tuesday is going to be pretty blustery, with strong winds and the possibility of structural damage in some places.

"Once the winds have dropped we are looking at a period of very cold weather with a strong likelihood of snow."

The cold snap is likely to last well into next week, with more snow fall forecast for early February.