Flood alert issued for North East coast with people urged to avoid roads and footpaths
The alert is in force from Whitley Bay down to Hartlepool with the potential for strong winds and large waves to cause flooding around the high tide
by Catherine Addison-Swan · ChronicleLiveA flood alert has been issued for a large stretch of the North East coast today (Friday, September 27) as stormy weather persists following Thursday's downpours.
The alert extends from Old Hartley in Whitley Bay all the way down to the Hartlepool Golf Club area in County Durham, encompassing the North Tyneside, South Tyneside and Sunderland coastline. High tides, strong winds and large waves throughout the morning may lead to flooding around the high tide between 11am and 3pm today.
Areas most at risk include beaches, promenades, coastal footpaths, roads and carparks, with people advised to avoid these areas which may be affected by flooding. The flooding alerts service said it is "closely monitoring" the situation for further developments throughout the day.
An additional flood alert is in place inland within the vicinity of the Rivers Derwent, Team and Don in Gateshead, County Durham and Northumberland, after river levels rose following Thursday's downpours. This alert extends from Blaydon down to Consett, and warns that levels are expected to remain high on Friday morning.
An alert also remains in force for the Lower River Wear, extending from Sunderland city centre down to Bishop Auckland. People in these areas are urged to avoid using low lying footpaths near local watercourses and plan driving routes to avoid low lying roads near rivers, which may be flooded.
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After a Yellow weather warning for heavy rain covered most of the region for the full 24 hours of Thursday, today's weather is looking considerably brighter according to the latest forecast from the Met Office. Sunny spells are expected across the North East alongside some isolated showers, but it is expected to feel cool particularly along the coast with a brisk northerly wind.
It comes after Thursday's heavy rain and thunderstorms battered most of the UK, leading to Amber weather warnings being issued across parts of central and southern England. The weekend is expected to bring a drier and sunnier day in the North East on Saturday, before more wet and windy conditions arrive on Sunday.
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 may also wish to consider putting together a flood kit ahead of the worst autumn and winter weather, which can 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.