The North East has been told to brace for severe weather as the Met Office has issued a warning for this week.
A yellow weather warning for thunderstorm is currently in place for large parts of the region.
The alert, which is in place from 9.38am, is expected to last until 1pm on Thursday and warns of heavy rain and storms.
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It comes as people across the region woke up to dismal conditions, rainy weather and bleak skies.
County Durham, Northumberland, Tyne and Wear and Teesside are among those areas likely to see the poor weather throughout the morning.
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The same yellow weather warning for heavy rain has been issued for parts of North Yorkshire.
What forecasters have said
The Met Office has warned of the likelihood of surface water flooding and some travel disruption on the region's roads.
The Met Office has also warned there is a chance that businesses and homes may experience power cuts and the loss of other services.
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