The Met Office has issued a yellow weather warning for parts of the North East as "prolonged rain" is predicted.
The warning for heavy rain will be in place from 6am on Thursday to 6am on Friday and covers parts of County Durham.
There is a risk of flooding, travel disruption and damage to some buildings as the rain showers batter the region.
The areas affected include Peterlee, Spennymoor, Shildon and Crook.
Other North East regions affected include Darlington, Stockton and Middlesbrough.
The warning reads: "Rain, prolonged and occasionally heavy, will affect the yellow area during Thursday.
"The rain will gradually ease overnight and clear away during the early hours of Friday. 20-40 mm of rain is expected over quite a wide area, with 60-80 mm falling in a few locations over high ground, through the period.
"The rain will be accompanied by strengthening northeasterly winds, which may lead to significant leaf fall and impede drainage in places."
What to expect
- Homes and businesses could be flooded, causing damage to some buildings
- Fast flowing or deep floodwater is possible, with a risk that some communities may be cut off by flooded roads
- Delays or cancellations to train and bus services are possible
- Spray and flooding could lead to difficult driving conditions and some road closures
- Fast flowing or deep floodwater is possible, causing a danger to life
