Weather warning for strong winds issued with travel disruption likely
A Weather Warning for strong winds has been issued for the North East with the risk of disruption to travel.
The Met Office Yellow Weather Warning is in place for Sunderland, Newcastle, and South Shields from 5am until 8pm on Thursday (March 12).
Winds are currently forecast to gust up to 53mph and will be accompanied by heavy rain throughout the afternoon.
A Met Office spokesperson said: “A period of strong winds, accompanied by heavy rain, is expected on Thursday with some transport disruption possible.
“Gusts of 50-55 mph are expected widely, with some coastal locations and areas downwind of high ground seeing gusts of 60 mph or even 70 mph in a few places.
“Some delays to road, rail, air and ferry transport are likely, particularly for high-sided vehicles on exposed routes and bridges.
“Some bus and train services will probably be affected with some journeys taking longer.”
Power cuts are also possible and it is “likely that some coastal routes, sea fronts and coastal communities will be affected by spray and/or large waves”.