THE Met Office has issued a yellow “Be Aware” warning with strong winds and rain set to batter the region.

It said rain would spread to all parts on Friday evening and be accompanied by gale force southwesterly winds, while on Saturday (December 5) it would be wet and windy with severe gales especially over exposed parts.

The forecast prompted Highway England to urge drivers to check the weather and driving conditions before setting out on journeys with high winds set to last from 9pm Friday until 5am on Sunday and reach in excess of 60mph.

Several roadworks that had been due to take place over the weekend have been postponed.

Meanwhile, two outdoor markets taking place as part of the popular Durham Christmas Festival and taking place in the Market Place and Millennium Place have been cancelled on Saturday because of the forecast.

Phil Stockford, emergency planning manager at Highways England, said: “There’s a particular risk to lorries and other vulnerable vehicles, such as caravans and motorbikes, so we’re asking drivers to slow down and to avoid using exposed sections of motorways and other routes if possible.

“We’re advising drivers to plan their journeys before they set out, checking the forecast and road conditions, as well as to leave extra time for their journeys and to delay their journey if the weather becomes severe.”

Locations potentially affected by strong winds include the A1(M) between A59 Knaresborough and A168 Dishforth, and between junctions 58 and 65 at Washington, the A66 at Scotch Corner and on the A19 the Hylton Bridge over the River Wear and the Tees and Leven Viaducts.

The Environment Agency said rainfall would fall on saturated ground and will result in widespread surface water affecting roads and low lying land.

It warned drivers that they should not drive through floodwater, 30cm of flood water being enough to move a car.

Richard Robinson, of the Environment Agency, said: “There is expected to be some heavy rainfall this weekend, while we expect the whole of the area to have some issues it is currently looking like the Upper Wear and Tyne areas will be the most affected from potential river flooding. Surface water flooding will affect all areas.

“We will issue flood warnings to affected communities if it’s necessary and will operate our defences in a timely manner.

“We would urge people to keep up to date with the latest flood risk information and weather forecasts.”