Met Office issues wind warning for the North East as Storm Ashley batters UK
The warning has been extended to cover almost the entire region with wind gusts of 55-65mph expected
by Catherine Addison-Swan · ChronicleLiveThe Met Office has extended weather warnings for Storm Ashley's strong winds, with much of the North East now included in alerts for disruptive weather today and tomorrow morning (Sunday, October 20 and Monday, October 21).
A Yellow warning for wind, which already encompassed all of Scotland, Northern Ireland and Ireland as well as parts of north-west England and Wales, now covers almost the whole North East region from Peterlee in County Durham northwards. This includes the majority of County Durham, all of Sunderland, South Tyneside, Gateshead, Newcastle, North Tyneside and Northumberland.
The warning, which is in force until midnight tonight, advises that strong winds could cause disruption in the affected areas throughout the day. Forecasters expect road, rail, air and ferry services to be impacted, with longer journey times and cancellations possible, while some roads and bridges may close.
Additionally, some damage to buildings could occur, such as tiles blown from roods, and power cuts are possible. Those at the coast are advised to take extra to care, with a risk of injuries and "danger to life" from large waves and beach material being thrown onto sea fronts, coastal roads and properties.
Winds are generally expected to reach 55-65mph across the region and the wider UK, while in western Scotland a severe Amber warning is in force where gales could hit 70-80mph in exposed areas. Anyone planning to travel, particularly over the Scottish border, is strongly advised to check the latest travel and weather updates and adjust their journey if necessary.
In addition, the majority of the North East, from Seaham and Spennymoor northwards, is also now affected by a second Yellow wind warning which will be in force between midnight and 9am on Monday. The Met Office advised: "Strong winds from Storm Ashley may bring further impacts across the north and east of Scotland and northeast England before it moves away."
Forecasters suggest preparing to protect your property by checking for loose items outside your home and securing them if possible, such as bins, garden furniture, sheds and fences. Those at the coast should be aware of large waves that can sweep them out to sea, and take care if walking near cliffs.
Join our WhatsApp communities
ChronicleLive is now on WhatsApp and we want you to join our communities.
We have a number of communities to join, so you can choose which one you want to be part of and we'll send you the latest news direct to your phone. You could even join them all!
To join you need to have WhatsApp on your device. All you need to do is choose which community you want to join, click on the link and press 'join community'.
No one will be able to see who is signed up and no one can send messages except the ChronicleLive team.
We also treat our community members to special offers, promotions, and adverts from us and our partners.
If you don't like our community, you can check out any time you like. To leave our community click on the name at the top of your screen and choose 'exit group'.
If you’re curious, you can read our privacy notice.
Join the ChronicleLive Breaking News and Top Stories community
Join our Court & Crime community
Join the Things to do in Newcastle and the North East community
Join our Northumberland community
Join our County Durham community
Join our Great North Run community