Trees uprooted, power cuts and travel disruption as Storm Floris hits Northumberland
Storm Floris has brought heavy rain and strong winds to Northumberland.
Gusts of 63mph were recorded at Boulmer, near Alnwick, at 3pm this afternoon (Monday).
The Met Office has issued a yellow weather warning covering the period from 6am to 11.59pm on Monday, August 4.
The Met Office says: “Storm Floris will bring a spell of unusually windy weather for the time of year across the northern half of the UK on Monday.
"The highest winds are expected across Scotland between late morning and early evening. In some areas high winds will be accompanied by heavy rain. Wind will then slowly start to ease from the west later.
“Across the warning area, many inland areas are likely to see gusts of 40 to 50 mph with 60 to 70 mph possible along exposed coasts and high ground, especially Scotland. During the height of the storm, winds over parts of Scotland will be even higher and this is covered by a separate amber warning.”
More than 100 power cuts across the county have been reported.
Northumberland County Council has announced on its website that Household Waste Recycling Centres in Bebside, Berwick, Kirkley Thorn, Morpeth, North Seaton, North Sunderland, Prudhoe and Wooler have been closed due to strong winds.
Road users in the North East regions of England are advised to check ahead and plan for disruption to their journeys.
High sided vehicles, caravans, motorbikes and other vulnerable vehicles are advised to take extra care when travelling due to the increased risk.
Rail services north of Newcastle are severely disrupted.
TransPennine Express (TPE) has cancelled services between Newcastle and Edinburgh, while LNER has issued ‘do not travel’ advice.
Andrew McClements, Customer Experience and Transformation Director at TPE, said: “Storm Floris will cause widespread disruption across the network, affecting all operators in the region.
“As such, we are advising passengers not to travel and to consider whether their journey is necessary.
“Customers who have already bought tickets for travel on Monday can use those tickets on services on Tuesday.
“Alternatively, if customers are unable to travel, they can apply for refunds from their point of purchase."
LNER tickets dated for travel on Monday 4th August will be valid until Wednesday 6th August.
A number of visitor attractions have closed for the day, including The Alnwick Garden and Bamburgh Castle.