The Met Office has issued a yellow weather warning for “heavy and persistent” rain across the entire North East, including County Durham.

The weather warning has been put in place from Wednesday, May 22 from 12.15am until Thursday, May 23 at 6am.

The Met Office has warned heavy rain may cause some flooding and disruption to travel.

What to expect for yellow weather warning in County Durham and North East?

The Met Office has issued the following guidance for residents in County Durham and the North East following the latest yellow weather warning for heavy rain this week:

  • Homes and businesses could be flooded, causing damage to some buildings
  • Fast flowing or deep floodwater is possible, causing a danger to life
  • Delays or cancellations to train and bus services are possible
  • Spray and flooding could lead to difficult driving conditions and some road closures
  • Some communities may be cut off by flooded roads

Why is there a yellow warning for rain in County Durham and North East?

The Met Office has said an area of rain is expected to develop across eastern and central England and then move northwestwards to affect northern England and north Wales during Wednesday afternoon.

What different Met Office weather warnings mean

The area of rain could then become slow moving, heavy and persistent, especially over north facing hills, before clearing during Thursday morning.

The forecasters added: “There is a lot of uncertainty over exactly where the heaviest rain will occur and this warning is likely to be updated.

“Many places will see 30-40 mm of rain, while a few areas may receive 60-80 mm. There is also a small chance that a few upland areas could see much higher totals, in the order of 100-150 mm.”

Full list of North East areas issued yellow weather warning for rain

Here are all the areas in the North East which have been issued a yellow weather warning for heavy rain between Tuesday and Thursday:

  • Darlington
  • Durham
  • Gateshead
  • Hartlepool
  • Middlesbrough
  • Newcastle upon Tyne
  • North Tyneside
  • Northumberland
  • Redcar and Cleveland
  • South Tyneside
  • Stockton-on-Tees
  • Sunderland

Recommended reading:

If you’re wondering what you should do ahead of the “heavy and persistent” rain approaching the region, the Met Office recommends you can:

  • Check if your property could be at risk of flooding. If so, consider preparing a flood plan and an emergency flood kit
  • Give yourself the best chance of avoiding delays by checking road conditions if driving, or bus and train timetables, amending your travel plans if necessary
  • People cope better with power cuts when they have prepared for them in advance. It’s easy to do; consider gathering torches and batteries, a mobile phone power pack and other essential items
  • Be prepared for weather warnings to change quickly

Keep up to date with the latest forecast for the North East including County Durham on the Met Office website.