(Image: THE NORTHERN ECHO)
A major route through County Durham will close in both directions tonight as Storm Boelo brings increasingly strong winds across the region.
The A66 will be shut between the A67 at Bowes and the A685 at Brough from 8pm tonight, Saturday, October 24, National Highways North East has confirmed.
The closure will affect traffic travelling in both directions on the key trans-Pennine route.
There is currently no confirmed time for the road to reopen.
In an update, National Highways said: "The road will be closed for 8pm tonight due to Storm Boelo.
"We'll provide a further update as soon as we have confirmation of when the closure is expected to be removed."
The alert is due to run from 12.01am until 4pm on Sunday, October 25, with westerly winds expected to strengthen overnight.
Gusts of between 50mph and 55mph are expected, with speeds occasionally reaching 60mph to 65mph on higher routes across Durham and Northumberland.
The A66 between the M6 at junction 40 and the A1 at Scotch Corner had already been highlighted as a route of concern during the severe weather, with vulnerable vehicles advised to avoid the route where possible.
However, the confirmed full closure from 8pm tonight applies specifically to the A66 between the A67 at Bowes and the A685 at Brough.
Drivers of high-sided vehicles, caravans and motorcycles have been warned to take particular care during the storm.
Read more
Storm Boelo amber alert as North East drivers warned over A1(M), A66 and A19
All the events cancelled across County Durham and the North East ahead of Storm Boelo
Exact time Storm Boelo will hit North East as heavy rain and strong winds arrive
There is also an increased risk of windblown debris, while large branches and trees could fall as the strongest winds move across the region.
Winds are expected to gradually ease through Sunday afternoon and evening, although very strong conditions could remain on trans-Pennine routes well into the night.
Drivers planning to use the A66 tonight are advised to check the latest travel information before setting off.