Storm Bert set to bring gales as Met Office issues two new weather warnings for Northumberland

The first yellow warning is for wintry showers and icy patches covering the period until 10am on Friday, November 22.

The second yellow warning for wind is in place from 5am to 7pm on Saturday, November 23.

The Met Office says Storm Bert will bring strong winds, which may cause some disruption in places.

It says: ‘A period of strong southeasterly winds is likely for a time on Saturday, with peak gusts of 50-60mph in many parts of the warning area, but 60-70mph in some coastal areas and also locally to the lee (northwest) of high ground, and perhaps in excess of 70mph along some exposed coasts of Northern Ireland and western Scotland.’

National Highways has also issued a severe weather alert for snow in the North East region.

It states: ‘A band of rain and strong winds is going to push north-eastwards on Saturday morning, the rain preceded by a period of disruptive snow over parts of northeast England. While snow is expected to become increasingly confined to high ground over time, it will be heavy in the morning and accumulate quickly at all levels, leading to significant travel disruption.’

Christmas Markets in Alnwick and Ford and Etal, which were due to take place this weekend, have been cancelled due to the forecast.