Roads have been left impassable and schools have shut across the dale this morning following heavy snowfalls overnight.
Motorists have been left stranded for several hours despite a warning from Durham County Council for people not to travel unless a absolutely necessary.
Bus services have also ground to a halt.
Scarlett Band Bus Service owner Graeme Torrance said three of his vehicles had become stuck along Park Head Bank en route to Bishop Auckland.
He said: “The roads are absolutely horrendous. There are no gritters out.”
He added that the company would try send buses out in the afternoon if conditions improved.
Primary schools that have shut include Ingleton, Green Lane, Hamsterley, Bowes Hutchinsons, Woodland, St Mary’s, Butterknowle, Cockfield, Staindrop, Montalbo and Forest of Teesdale.
Teesdale School is also closed.
