North East continues to feel the impact of Storm Arwen as clean-up operations continue

Thank you to Ian Maggiore for giving us a chill with this great picture!

Travel operator Nexus, which manages the Tyne and Wear Metro, has confirmed that trains will start running between North Shields and South Shields from 10am on Sunday.

All other services across the system remain suspended, with local bus services accepting Metro tickets.

The closure has been caused by extensive damage right across Metro’s infrastructure after trees were brought down during Storm Arwen.

Click here for further details.

As it stands, the Met Office Yellow warning for ice remains in action until 11am on Sunday, with a chilly day forecast across the region.

Are you waking up to frost, ice or snow where you are?

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Nexus has confirmed that its trains between North and South Shields will start at around 10am on Sunday, with further updates expected throughout the day.

Northern Powergrid issued a statement at around 9.45pm on Saturday to say its teams remain focused on working to safely restore power to the 58,000 customers still affected as soon as it can.

While Storm Arwen has now passed through the region, the damage it has left behind is still there to repair. Northern Powergrid is currently responding to the remaining 700 of around 900 instances of damage.

Engineers are continuing to restore customers by switching electricity supplies, where possible, through alternative routes on its network and is ready to commence with repairs at first light.

Speaking late on Saturday, Rod Gardner, Northern Powergrid’s Major Incident Manager, said: “Today has been one of the most challenging we have seen in over a decade with our teams being unable to safely climb for over 24 hours, due to the storm force winds. Although this has been frustrating, safety of our people is paramount.

“We have focused our efforts on work which could be completed to assess the scale of damage and response needed to repair the network.

“Despite the challenges, we have been restoring supplies wherever we can and we will continue to work into the night to restore as many of the remaining customers as possible. However, if your supplies are not restored by midnight, you are likely to remain without power into tomorrow.

“We apologise and understand the impact this has on customers who are still without power, especially at this time of year. We are advising that if you are currently without power, you may wish to consider seeking alternative accommodation with family and friends. Also, if you know someone without power, consider if you can offer any support.”

“Our contact centre, social media and website remain extremely busy. At this point, we ask that you only contact us if you are at risk, so we can help keep our channels clear for those who may need us in an emergency.”

It’s been a difficult day for many across the North East with homes and businesses damaged in all areas of the region due to the impact of Storm Arwen.

The earlier Red and Yellow Met Office warnings for wind may have come to an end but forecasters have now issued a fresh alert for ice, which is now in effect until 11am tomorrow morning (Sunday, November 28).

Events cancelled across the region today included; North East non-league football, the opening of Sunderland’s ice rink, the scooter procession at Hartlepool’s March of the Mods, the Wintertide Festival also in Hartlepool and Rainton’s Winter Wonderland.

Tyne and Wear Metro Services, and the Shields Ferry, remain suspended while customers hoping to travel with LNER have been advised to postpone their travel if possible. The rail operator has also issued an update to say that there will be no services on the route north of Newcastle on Sunday.

Our thoughts are with everyone affected by today’s adverse weather, and we hope you all stay safe and well.

Updates will resume tomorrow as clear-up operations continue across the region.

Met Office forecasters have issued a Yellow warning for ice, coming into effect from 5pm on Saturday and running until 11am on Sunday, as is it stands.

Here are the details of the warning, as published by Met Office forecasters: “A cold night with icy stretches likely to form quickly Saturday evening.”

What to expect

South Tyneside Council issued a fresh statement at 4.30pm on Saturday. In it, the council reminded families to only travel if essential and also shared two emergency numbers that people can call if they need support.

A spokesperson said: “First and foremost, we understand there has been no injury or loss of life for which we are incredibly thankful. The clean-up operation is ongoing and may take some days to complete.

“People are advised to contact us to report emergency incidents. Please be patient and understand that response times to calls will take longer than usual.

“Our teams are working around the clock to keep the borough moving and respond to any incidents caused by the extreme weather conditions.

“Main roads, footpaths and emergency routes take priority.

“Damage to properties that can cause further damage will be dealt with first, other lower risk incidents will be dealt as soon as is practical, which may take into early next week.”

Incidents can be reported on two out of hours emergency phone numbers:

Football grounds have been left damaged and services - including the tip and Haven Point - have had to shut in South Tyneside as a result of the weather. Click here to see more pictures on our website.