(Image: THE NORTHERN ECHO)
National Highways has issued an amber severe weather alert for major roads across the North East as Storm Boelo threatens strong winds and significant disruption on Sunday (October 25).
It will run from 12.01am until 4pm on Sunday, October 25, with westerly winds expected to strengthen overnight.
Gusts of 50mph to 55mph are expected widely by dawn, with speeds occasionally reaching 60mph to 65mph on higher routes across County Durham and Northumberland.
Drivers of high-sided vehicles, caravans and motorcycles are being urged to take particular care due to the strength of the winds.
There is also an increased risk of debris being blown onto carriageways, as well as large branches and trees falling.
For drivers in County Durham and the wider North East, major routes identified in the alert include the A1(M), A66, A19 and A69.
The A66 between the M6 at junction 40 and the A1 at Scotch Corner is among the roads where high-sided and other vulnerable vehicles are strongly advised to avoid travelling where possible during the alert.
The entire A69 is also included.
The alert also identifies the A1(M) between junctions 58 and 65, the A19 at Hylton Bridge, the Tees and Leven viaducts, routes around Tyneside and the A1 through Northumberland as being at particular risk.
Strong winds are expected to gradually ease through Sunday afternoon and evening, although conditions are forecast to remain very windy on trans-Pennine routes well into the night.
The AA has also urged drivers to prepare for difficult conditions as Storm Boelo moves in.
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Strong crosswinds can make exposed roads and bridges particularly difficult for drivers, with high-sided vehicles, caravans and trailers particularly vulnerable.
Motorists are being advised to check weather and traffic conditions before setting off and allow additional time for journeys.
A separate yellow weather warning runs from 6pm on Saturday until 9pm on Sunday across the North East, with heavy rain and gusts of 70mph to 80mph possible on exposed coasts and high ground.