A GENTLE waterfall was turned into a powerful torrent by the heavy rainfall which has caused disruption and flooding in parts of the region.

Footage of Summerhill Force, in Teesdale, shows the usually tranquil falls in full flow.

Alex Kaars Sijpesteijn, Tees-Swale access and community engagement officer for the North Pennines AONB Partnership, who recorded the video this morning said: "I was up at Bowlees Visitor Centre and had a walk around the site.

"It was amazing, the waterfall is usually a gentle waterfall but it was very dramatic, noisy and quite stunning after all the rain."

Forecasters have warned of 'treacherous' conditions in parts of the country - including the North-East - amid intense rainfall and flooding.

Surface water flooding could cause problems for motorists during Thursday morning's rush hour, the Met Office said, while there was a "small chance" some communities could become cut off.

Torrential rain saw flooding hit parts of the Midlands on late Wednesday night, with some properties and roads inundated.

A number of people needed rescuing from cars caught in floodwater in Nottingham and Warwickshire as the inclement weather moved across the country.

The Met Office tweeted: "Amber and yellow warnings are in force for Thursday morning, so conditions on the roads will be treacherous for some with surface water flooding and intense rainfall."

The Met Office said Chillingham in Northumberland saw nearly 1cm of rainfall in the space of an hour on Thursday morning.

The village had seen 73mm of rainfall over a 28-hour period - more than the 66.4mm average for the whole of June.

Durham Constabuary has issued a warning asking motorists to take extra care and allow extra time on their journeys.

A spokesperson said: "At the time of writing all main roads remain open.

"Due to the continuing rain fall a number of roads around the county have become flooded."

It has been reported Ragworth Crossroads at the A1027 Ringroad in Stockton has been flooded. 

The Environment Agency has issued a flood alert for the Middlesbrough Becks, saying there is likely to be flooding to low lying land and roads.

Residents are urged to remain vigilant and take steps to protect themselves from the risk of flooding.

A spokesperson for County Durhan and Darlington Fire and Rescue Service said: "We've had lots of rain overnight so please take extra care on the roads today slow down, lights on and increase your stopping distance roads become more slippery when they are wet." 

There are no Met Office weather warnings in place for Friday and the weekend, with conditions forecast to be calmer.

The weather is expected to be drier, warmer and sunnier, but with the risk of heavy and thundery showers in some places.