THE region was feeling the force of Storm Ali on Wednesday afternoon.

An Upper Teesdale road is currently blocked after a tree blew over.

Strong winds caused the tree to be uprooted on the B6282, on the approach to Eggleston village, in Teesdale, at about 1.25pm.

A Police spokeswoman confirmed the tree was currently blocking both carriageways.

It is not believed anyone was hurt during the incident.

Drivers are being asked to avoid the area and use the Mickleton road while the road is cleared.

A tree has fallen down between Howden-le-Wear and Fir Tree.

"The road between Fir Tree and Howden-le-wear will be closed for some time. A tree has fallen onto power cables. Due to the strong winds we have a lot of trees down. Please drive safely. Will update when Road is open," say Crook Police.

Highways England’s Head of Road Safety, Richard Leonard, said: “We’re encouraging drivers to check the latest weather and travel conditions before setting off on journeys. If you do intend to travel, then plan your journey and take extra care, allowing more time for your journey.

“In high winds, there’s a particular risk to lorries, caravans and motorbikes so we’d advise drivers of these vehicles to slow down.

“Drivers of other vehicles should be aware of sudden gusts of wind which can affect handling and braking, and give high-sided vehicles, caravans, and motorbikes plenty of space. In the event of persistent high winds we may need to close bridges to traffic for a period, so please be alert for warnings of closures and follow signed diversion routes.”

A tree fell down on Quaker Lane, Richmond, with police blocking the road.

A resident said: "This is a popular walkway with school children, luckily noone was injured."

Elsewhere: 

  • Heighington Household Waste Recycling Centre (HWRC), near Darlington, has closed due to strong winds. "It will reopen as soon as it is safe to do so," Durham County Council said.
  • The A690 has been closed at Langley Moor to all vehicles after a power cable from a train line fell onto road below.
  • Motorists heading for Cumbria are warned that the A66 westbound is blocked due to a caravan being blown over outside the Stainmore Café, near Kirkby Stephen.
  • A tree has blocked Drake road in Norton.
  • Stanley Bus Station is closed due to unsafe building nearby. Services 6, 16, 16A, 30, 78 will use the stop at The Lamplight Centre behind ASDA; Service 16 towards Consett will use stops on Tyne Road and operate direct to South Moor Arch; Services M6, M7 & M8 & X30 & X31 will all use the stops at The Royal Hotel; Service 8 will terminate at The Royal.
  • There is currently no service in Washington Village on the 84 due to a fallen tree.
  • Tree down on the road outside the Sun Inn at Wackerfield.