Storm Babet: Live updates as South Shields Metro suspensions hit and lighthouse damaged
Persistent heavy rain and strong winds are forecast across the day, with a yellow Met Office weather warning in place across the region.
It’s likely that coastal routes, sea fronts and coastal communities will be affected by spray and/or large waves with some bus and train services affected.
South Shields weather - Storm Babet
Key Events
- South Shields lighthouse damaged on Friday as big waves hit
- Metro and ferry services suspended
- How long will Storm Babet last?
Our weekend reporter is happy to see skies are clearing after two days of dark conditions and wet weather!
There is still service disruption across the Metro system today. Trains are not running between St Peters and South Hylton or South Gosforth and Shiremoor in both directions. The Shields Ferry also remains out of operation.
One football match in the region is still on today - South Shields have been able to drain their pitch ahead of a 3pm kick off.
We have another incredible video here from Lee Axon (Instagram - @digifinsocial) of waves crashing against the pier at Roker in Sunderland. Similar scenes were captured across the North East yesterday afternoon.
Nexus are telling Newcastle United fans heading to St James Park this afternoon to check their journeys before travelling and allow plenty of time to travel.
The Shields Ferry remains out of action today while the Metro remains closed between St Peters and South Hylton.
This footage from our reporter Hayley Lovely shows waves caused by the storm hitting South Shields yesterday.
Football clubs are starting to feel the impact of the last 24 hours with Hebburn Town’s fixture this afternoon postponed due to a waterlogged pitch. South Shields FC’s fixture is still going ahead at the moment.
The Met Office has also updated its weather warnings across the UK, cancelling all warnings in the North East. The weather service is still predicting further showers throughout Saturday. Wind speeds are expected to peak at 12 miles per hour.
Good morning from the Shields Gazette! The Tyne and Wear Metro has confirmed the system is now open across South Tyneside with trains now running through Boldon. Services remain suspended between St Peters and South Hylton in Sunderland, however. Service has also resumed between St James and Monkseaton.
SOUTH SHIELDS FC ‘HOPEFUL' MATCH WILL GO AHEAD
South Shields Football Club remain positive tomorrow’s match with King’s Lynn Town will go ahead.
The 1st Cloud Arena was subject to an inspection on Friday and was the pitch was deemed playable.
Another inspection will take place tomorrow, with a late call made. However, hopes are high the National League North fixture will not fall foul of Storm Babet.