The North East has been warned of a possible danger to life as Storm Ciara is set to batter the region with severe gales.
The update to the Met Office's weather warning, which covers the whole of the UK at times this weekend, came after meteorologists named the storm heading towards the UK from the North Atlantic.
The region will feel the worst of the weather throughout Sunday and forecasters have warned that there could be a danger to life from flying debris and also large waves in coastal areas as wind speeds could reach 80mph.
Neil Armstrong, chief meteorologist with the Met Office, said: “An extremely strong jet stream flowing from North America will be steering a succession of low-pressure systems towards the UK at least into the middle of next week.
"The relative predictability of this pattern has provided an early warning and has given us the certainty to be able to name this storm four days ahead.
“The Met Office will continue to monitor the development of Storm Ciara and other potentially impactful low-pressure systems through next week."
Forecasters have also warned that the strong winds could cause potential travel disruption across the North East, particularly over higher routes.
North East outlook for Saturday to Monday
Bright but windy Saturday after overnight rain. Further overnight rain into Sunday, then blustery showers with widespread gales, locally severe.
Turning colder Monday with wintry showers, very windy.
