(Image: THE NORTHERN ECHO)
A yellow weather warning has been issued across Darlington and County Durham as Storm Boelo is set to bring winds of up to 80mph this weekend.
The Met Office has issued the warning from 6pm on Saturday (October 24) until 9pm on Sunday, with Darlington, Durham and much of the wider North East among the areas affected.
Forecasters are warning that strong westerly winds will spread across northern parts of the UK on Saturday evening, with very windy conditions continuing overnight and through much of Sunday.
Gusts of between 55mph and 65mph are expected widely, while some exposed and coastal locations could see winds reach between 70mph and 80mph or more.
The powerful winds will be accompanied by spells of heavy rain as Storm Boelo moves across the country, making for an unsettled weekend.
The yellow weather warning currently includes:
- Darlington
- Durham
- Gateshead
- Hartlepool
- Middlesbrough
- Newcastle upon Tyne
- North Tyneside
- Northumberland
- Redcar and Cleveland
- South Tyneside
- Stockton-on-Tees
- Sunderland
The Met Office's North East forecast says Saturday will begin chilly before turning wet and windy as rain spreads eastwards.
Sunday is also expected to remain windy, with showers and brighter intervals, before further rain and stronger winds arrive on Monday.
Storm Boelo is being driven by a deep area of low pressure which is forecast to bring impactful winds to northern parts of the UK on Saturday night and throughout Sunday.
The Met Office said the system will be "invigorated by an active jet stream" as it crosses the Atlantic.
Met Office Deputy Chief Forecaster Chris Bulmer said: “Storm Boelo will bring strong winds and heavy rain to parts of northern England over the weekend, impacting the opposite end of the country to Storm Austen.
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“Gusts of 70-80mph in exposed coastal areas and high ground are possible, with 50-60mph gusts more widely.
“The strong winds will be accompanied by heavy rain, making for an impactful weekend of weather.
"Severe weather warnings and forecast detail will continue to develop, so people should keep up to date with the forecast over the next few days.”