
(Image: GETTY)
A weather warning for the North East has been brought forward as Storm Boelo is due to bring powerful winds and heavy rain across the region this weekend.
The warning had previously been due to begin at 6pm on Saturday.
The forecaster said the change had been made because the "start time of the warning [was] brought forward" and the warning area had been extended further south.
Darlington and County Durham are among the areas covered, alongside much of the wider North East.
Storm Boelo is expected to bring a very windy and wet spell, with strong winds spreading across northern parts of the UK during Saturday afternoon alongside spells of heavy rain.
More widespread and stronger westerly winds are then forecast to develop later on Saturday, with very windy conditions continuing overnight and through much of Sunday before gradually easing from the south-west.
The Met Office said gusts of 55mph to 65mph are likely widely, while exposed and coastal areas could potentially see gusts reaching 70mph to 80mph or more.
The strongest gusts under the yellow warning are expected across Scotland and the far north of England.
A more serious amber warning has also been issued for areas expected to see the strongest winds from Storm Boelo.
Within the amber warning area, the Met Office is forecasting fairly widespread gusts of 60mph to 70mph, with speeds reaching 80mph in exposed coastal areas.
The updated warnings mean people travelling across the North East this weekend could face disruption.
The Met Office says road, rail, air and ferry services may be affected under the yellow warning, with longer journey times and cancellations possible, while some roads and bridges could close.
There is also the possibility of power cuts, while strong winds could cause damage to buildings and trees, including tiles being blown from roofs and large branches or trees being brought down.
Flying debris could also present a danger.
People living in affected areas are being advised to secure loose items outside their homes, including bins, garden furniture, trampolines, tents, sheds and fences.
Those planning to travel should check road conditions as well as bus and train timetables and change their plans if necessary.
Coastal areas could also experience large waves, with the Met Office urging people to take extra care near the sea and cliffs during the storm.
Read more
Hour-by-hour Darlington forecast as yellow warning issued ahead of Storm Boelo
Storm Boelo to batter North East with 80mph winds as yellow warning issued
Popular North Yorkshire attraction forced to close this weekend amid strong winds
The yellow warning has been given a medium likelihood of 25 to 50 per cent and a significant impact rating.
The Met Office is advising people to continue checking forecasts as weather warnings can change quickly.
Storm Boelo is unrelated to Storm Austen, which is expected to bring strong winds and heavy rain to southern parts of the UK on Thursday night and Friday.