The Met Office has warned of Christmas travel disruption as Storm Pia brings severe weather to the region on Thursday (December 21).
There is a yellow weather warning for wind from midnight to 9pm on Thursday meaning travel disruption is likely, power cuts are possible, high-sided vehicles could be affected on exposed roads and coastal routes could be sprayed by high waves.
For the North East, a Met Office spokesman said: "Any early cloud and drizzle, mainly in the south, soon clearing. Then a bright day with sunny spells, especially in the east, and showers, these most frequent on western hills. Very strong and gusty winds with gales likely. Maximum temperature 10 °C.
"Tonight, Very strong winds easing somewhat overnight. Clear spells in the east with showers on western hills. Becoming widely cloudy later in the night with outbreaks of rain by dawn. Minimum temperature 4 °C."
Wind speeds in the North East and coastal areas could reach up to 60mph and 50mph further inland.
The AA has warned drivers to be alert to debris and flooded sections on the roads and to be prepared for delays and diversions.
An AA spokesman said: "Drivers should be very cautious, especially in rural or woody areas.
"If you see twigs or small branches on the road it could be a sign that a tree has fallen just around the bend, so pay extra attention to the path up ahead.
"There may be delays or diversions so make sure you bring essentials with you on your journey, even if it is only short, such as warm clothes, food and drink and a fully charged mobile phone."
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Stephen Dixon, a Met Office spokesman, said: “It is quite a wide wind warning area. Gusts are forecast quite widely to be 45mph to 55mph, possibly 65mph to 70mph to the east of high ground in Scotland.
“The strongest winds are likely to be found in the north and north-east of Scotland, including the Northern Isles, with 70mph to 80mph in the morning.”
The Met Office also forecasts showers, with more rain expected on Friday.
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