Storm Francis brings downpour to the North East - this is when the rain is expect to stop
The North East has been warned to brace itself for high winds and possible flooding as Storm Francis arrives.
Although all but Northumberland and the west of County Durham has avoided the yellow rain warning issued by the Met Office, but the rest of the region will not avoid the deluge today and into tomorrow.
Forecasters say we can expect heavy rain today, Tuesday, August 25, until mid-afternoon, when it will ease off, with a potential sunny spell around 3pm, before the rainfall restarts and goes into this evening.
The rain will be lighter in the north, picking up again into the early hours, growing heavier across the region as morning breaks.
Today's Met Office forecast states: “Storm Francis will bring a spell of very wet and windy weather northeastwards across all parts during the day.
"The rain will be heavy at times, leading to some localised flooding in places and accompanied by gale-force winds.
“Tonight it will remain rather cloudy with outbreaks of rain, although gradually easing towards the end of the night.
"A windy night, with gales along exposed windward coasts and hills.
“On Wednesday it will be cloudy with outbreaks of rain at first, although it will become drier and brighter with sunny spells developing into the afternoon.
"Windy at first, but easing through the day and it will be cooler.
“The outlook for Thursday to Saturday is further spells of showery rain on Thursday.
"Windy and showery, with local gales possible on Friday and windy, with sunshine and showers on Saturday.
"Feeling much cooler, with some chilly nights.”