ICY conditions have abated slightly lower down the dale but severe drifting problems are persisting on higher ground.
Drifting snow led to a number of road closures yesterday evening.
The B6278 was shut due to drifting at Folly Top and the B6277 between Cotherstone and Lartington was also closed to traffic.
Those roads are now thought to be passable this morning (March 2) on a single carriageway.
Teesdale School and Staindrop Academy are shut for the third day running with the hope of reopening on Monday (March 5).
Many dale primary schools are also closed again but fewer than yesterday – Durham County Council is pointing people towards its website for more details.
Scarlet Band are running a reduced service – the number 95 and the 96 are attempting to run but not as far as Middleton-in-Teesdale.
A Scarlet Band bus got stuck attempting to reach the village yesterday and is still yet to be recovered.
The 85 service from Bishop Auckland to Barnard Castle is running and it is thought the 83 from Barnard Castle to Cockfield has attempted one service.
A spokesperson for Scarlet Band added: “We’re going out and seeing what we can do.”
Farmers are continuing to battle ten feet high drifts at the top end of the dale.
A clearer picture of how many sheep have been lost will emerge over the weekend.
Comedian Bobby Mair will not be appearing at The Witham, in Barnard Castle, tonight (Friday, March 2) – his show will be rearranged for a later date.
Barnard Castle Farmers’ Market will take place as planned indoors at The WItham, from 9.30am to 2pm tomorrow (March 3).
