Full details of flood alerts issued across the North East as region hit by heavy rain
River levels are rising in parts of Gateshead, Sunderland, Northumberland and County Durham, with people advised to plan their journeys accordingly
by Catherine Addison-Swan · ChronicleLiveA series of flood alerts have been issued across the North East due to heavy rain causing river levels to rise as downpours batter much of the country.
A Yellow weather warning for heavy rain is in force for most of the region today (Thursday, September 26) which will remain in place until midnight with 20-30mm expected to fall widely with a risk of as much as 50-70mm in some locations. The Met Office has warned that the wet conditions could lead to some disruption, particularly to travel, with the potential for spray and flooding to lead to difficult driving conditions and some road closures.
The downpours may also lead to delays and cancellations to public transport services including buses and trains, forecasters said, with commuters advised to leave extra time for their journeys. In addition, there is a small chance that some homes and businesses could be flooded, potentially leading to power cuts and loss of other services, with flood warnings in place across many parts of the country.
As of the Government's Flood Alerts and Warnings service being updated at 1pm on Thursday, there were flood alerts in place along the River Derwent and the River Wear, as well as the upper River Tees, affecting parts of Gateshead, Sunderland, Northumberland and County Durham. Here are the full details for each flood alert currently in force across the North East.
Rivers Derwent, Team, Don and estuarine tributaries
A flood alert is in place after river levels rose following heavy rain overnight and this morning on the Rivers Derwent, Team and Don. There is a risk of surface water impacts in urban areas within the vicinity of these rivers in Gateshead, County Durham and Northumberland, with the alert extending from Blaydon down to Consett.
Those in the area are advised to avoid using low lying footpaths near local watercourses. Driving routes should also be planned to avoid low lying roads near rivers, which may be flooded.
Lower River Wear
A flood alert has also been issued for the Lower River Wear extending from Sunderland city centre down to Bishop Auckland in County Durham with river levels having risen overnight. This again brings the risk of surface water impacts in urban areas.
Those in the area are advised to avoid using low lying footpaths near local watercourses. Driving routes should also be planned to avoid low lying roads near rivers, which may be flooded.
Upper River Tees
River levels are rising on the Upper River Tees due to heavy rainfall overnight that has continued throughout today, with an alert issued for the area around Barnard Castle stretching across to Darlington and into the Pennines. Flooding is possible at riverside footpaths and low lying land and roads.
The areas most affected are Middleton in Teesdale and Rutherford Bridge in County Durham. River levels are forecast to remain high until Thursday evening, with locals advised to avoid using low lying footpaths and any bridges near local watercourses and not to attempt to walk or drive through flood water.
Those living in areas at risk of flooding are advised by the Met Office to prepare a flood plan. This can include a list of useful contact numbers, information on how to shut off your electricity or gas supply, and a plan for moving your valuable belongings to a safe place, as well as who you could ask for help from or offer help to such as friends or neighbours.
You could also consider putting together a flood kit, which might contain insurance documents, a torch, first aid kit, warm and waterproof clothing, bottled water and snacks, a battery radio, and supplies to care for babies or pets.
According to the latest weather forecast for the North East, rain is expected to gradually move south throughout the day following a wet and windy start. Drier conditions are expected to slowly develop in the north, but it will remain windy, particularly at the coast and over high ground, and temperatures will have an autumnal chill with highs of 12°C.
Looking ahead to the weekend and into next week, the Met Office has warned that today's downpours are a sign of things to come as September comes to an end. Forecasters explained that a deep low pressure system is forecast to arrive on Sunday following a "quieter but much colder interlude" of dry weather on Saturday, spelling the potential for some "very wet and windy" conditions into the start of next week as October arrives.
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