AN AMBER weather warning has been issued by the Met Office ahead of expected winds of up to 80mph in the region.

North Yorkshire Police have urged motorists to take care over the next 24 hours , especially between 2am and 4pm tomorrow (Thursday, December 5).

Drivers of high-sided vehicles in particular are advised to avoid exposed routes and bridges and follow Highways Agency safety guidance.

Also, on the east coast – from North Yorkshire to Tyneside – people are being urged to keep away from sea walls, piers and other water fronts as heavy waves are expected to crash over the sea defences.

Heavy waves are expected to hit the coast tomorrow (Thursday, December 5) afternoon, and continue until Friday evening due to a combination of the strong winds and the high spring tide.

Where road closures are in place along the coastline, drivers are asked to avoid the area until further notice.

Train operation East Coast has advised passengers to allow extra time for their journeys and have said tickets for tomorrow will also be valid on Friday.

Updates are also available by following @eastcoastuk on Twitter or by calling National Rail Enquiries on 08457 484950.

The Environment Agency updates its flood guidance every 15 minutes on its website at http://www.environment-agency.gov.uk/homeandleisure/floods/31618.aspx and people can follow the Environment Agency on Twitter at @EnvAgency using the hashtag #floodaware.

Met Office weather forecasts and warnings can be found at http://www.metoffice.gov.uk/ and people can follow the Met Office on Twitter at @metoffice and Facebook at http://www.facebook.com/metoffice.

Live traffic information updates are available on the Highways Agency website at www.highways.gov.uk/traffic or tune into local radio for the latest traffic and travel information.