The North East is set to be battered by heavy rain and severe gales as two storms hit the region this week.
Storm Dudley is expected to hit the North East on Wednesday night and Thursday bringing a period of very "strong and disruptive winds" with gusts of 80-90 mph in some areas.
And until then, Monday and Tuesday are both looking cold and blustery with Tuesday likely to see lashings of rain throughout the day.
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An amber weather warning has been issued between 6pm on Wednesday, February 16, and 9am on Thursday, February 17 due to the upcoming storm.
The Met Office has warned that road, rail, air and ferry services may be affected, and some roads and bridges are likely to close, leading to longer journey times and cancellations.
Strong winds could also cause some fallen trees and damage to buildings, such as tiles blown from roofs and there is a good chance that power cuts may occur.
In coastal areas, the Met Office said injuries and "danger to life" is possible due to large waves and beach material being thrown onto coastal roads, sea fronts and properties.
The Met Office forecast said: "Very strong westerly winds are expected to develop across western Scotland and northern Northern Ireland late Wednesday and extend eastward across southern Scotland and northern England during the evening.
"There is still some uncertainty in the timing and location of the strongest winds but there is the potential for inland wind gusts of 70-80mph in places. Gusts of 80-90 mph are possible around exposed coasts and hills."
Meanwhile, on Friday, a yellow weather warning has been issued as Storm Eunice brings another period of very strong winds.
The Met Office said there is a small chance that flying debris will result in a danger to life, with winds causing fallen trees, damage to buildings and homes, roofs being blown off and power lines brought down.
Power lines could also be brought down and roads, bridges and railway lines could close, with long delays and cancellations to buses, trains, ferry services, and flights.
The Met Office forecast said: "Extremely strong winds may develop over southwest England early on Friday, before spreading north and east during the morning.
"It is not yet clear where within the warning area the strongest winds will be but gusts of 60-70mph are possible over a reasonably large area with a small chance of a brief period of gusts reaching 80mph even inland.
"Coastal winds are likely to be the strongest. In addition to the wind, there is the potential for a period of snow and perhaps blizzard conditions, most likely over northern England, parts of Scotland, Northern Ireland, and North Wales.
"However, this is very dependant on the track of the weather system and most places will see heavy rain instead."
Below is the weather forecast for the North East this week:
Today:
Cloudy, with areas of rain, heavy at times, moving gradually southeast. Brightening up for some during the afternoon. Breezy along the coast, with temperatures near average. Maximum temperature 8C.
Tonight:
Turning clearer and colder during the evening as rain dies away. Cloud and wind increasing late in the night, with a band of rain and hill snow arriving by dawn. Minimum temperature -1C.
Tuesday:
Wet and windy initially, with some hill snow. This quickly clearing east, followed by sunshine and showers, wintry over high ground. Winds easing. More persistent rain during the evening. Maximum temperature 7C.
Outlook for Wednesday to Friday:
Becoming very windy, with widespread gales and risk of severe gales at times. Wednesday rain then blustery showers, wintry on hills. Drier Thursday, then further rain and some snow Friday.
