The Met Office has announced a yellow wind warning for Thursday (December 21) which covers the North East.

Darlington, Teesside and County Durham as a whole will need to brace for extreme winds.

The forecaster has warned of 'potential damage to buildings' in the North East as a result of the gales.

A Met Office spokesperson listed likely impacts of the weather.

Darlington and Stockton Times: Yellow wind warning

What to Expect

  • There is a small chance of longer journey times or cancellations as road, rail, air and ferry services are affected
  • There is a slight chance of some damage to buildings, such as tiles blown from roofs
  • There is a slight chance that power cuts may occur, with the potential to affect other services, such as mobile phone coverage
  • There is a small chance that injuries and danger to life could occur from large waves and beach material being thrown onto sea fronts, coastal roads and properties
  • There is a small chance of injuries and danger to life from flying debris
  • There is a small chance that some roads and bridges could close

In Darlington, gusts of wind are expected to reach speeds of up to 49mph.

The forecaster believes that the extreme conditions will begin to ease during Friday (December 22).