(Image: Canva/PA/Met Office)
With strong winds forecast across the North East this weekend, homeowners are being warned to secure garden furniture, outdoor lights and other loose items before Storm Boelo arrives .
The advice comes from Durham County Council and the Met Office after a yellow weather alert was issued for wind. The storm is expected to bring heavy rain, with gusts of 50-60mph widely and 70-80mph in exposed coastal areas and on high ground.
The warning spans from 6pm on Saturday, October 24, to 9pm on Sunday, October 25, covering all of the North East.
The Met Office have advised locals to "prepare to protect your property and people from injury."
A yellow weather warning for wind has been issued across the North East from 6pm Saturday (October 24) to 9pm Sunday (October 25). (Image: Met Office)
"Check for loose items outside your home and plan how you could secure them.
"Items include: bins, garden furniture, trampolines, tents, sheds, and fences."
Durham County Council echoed the warning on social media, urging residents to take precautions and stay informed.
They wrote: "Check for loose items outside your home and plan how you could secure them.
"Keep an eye on road conditions if driving or bus and train timetables if taking public transport, amending your travel plans if necessary."
The warning affects Darlington, Durham, Gateshead, Hartlepool, Middlesbrough, Newcastle upon Tyne, North Tyneside, Northumberland, Redcar and Cleveland, South Tyneside, Stockton-on-Tees and Sunderland.
Outdoor lighting company LightingLegends issued advice about specific furniture so residents can maintain their garden and ensure safety during Storm Boelo.
Managing director, Jon Saeed, explained: "When storms are forecast, it’s worth looking around the garden and thinking about what could be affected by strong winds.
"Things like garden furniture, plant pots and decorative ornaments can easily be blown over, while outdoor lights and their fixings may be put under extra strain when the weather turns."
Storm Boelo could bring gusts of between 70mph and 80mph in exposed coastal areas and on high ground. (Image: Canva/PA/Met Office)
He also reminded homeowners to check that outdoor lighting is securely fixed in place. Mr Saeed said: "String lights are a good example.
"If you have them permanently fixed across a pergola, fence or seating area, check that the hooks and fixings are secure and that the cables aren't hanging too loosely.
"Lights such as lanterns and solar stakes that are not permanently fixed should be brought inside to protect them from wind damage.
"It’s also worth checking that garden lighting has a rating of IP65 as this means it can handle rain. Anything lower should be in a sheltered spot."
The Met Office has also advised residents to prepare for potential power cuts by gathering torches, batteries, a mobile phone power pack, and other essential items in advance.
⚠️ Yellow weather warning issued ⚠️ Wind across Scotland and parts of northern England Saturday 1800 – Sunday 2100 Latest info 👉 https://t.co/TfU9Ok8qZD Stay #WeatherAware⚠️ https://t.co/bhusPWQsRj
— Met Office (@metoffice) October 22, 2026
They have also warned coastal residents to take extra care, as large waves and strong winds could pose a risk even from the shoreline.
A spokesman said: "If you are on the coast, stay safe during stormy weather by being aware of large waves.
"Even from the shore, large breaking waves can sweep you off your feet and out to sea.
"Take care if walking near cliffs; know your route and keep dogs on a lead.
"In an emergency, call 999 and ask for the Coastguard."