How the weather is affecting the North East as Sunderland escapes the worst of Storm Dennis

The Met Office has issued a yellow weather warning for the region this Sunday, February 16.

Forecasters have warned of ‘very strong winds’ across the North East over the weekend and into next week.

The latest yellow warning came into force on Sunday, February 16 at 10am and is due to be in place until 11am on Monday, February 17.

Sunderland could see gusts of up to 44mph later today, with some disruption expected to roads and transport systems.

LNER trains are operating a reduced service due to speed restrictions across the network.

Meanwhile other areas in the North East are being hit by heavy rainfall and rising water levels.

Due to heavy flooding on the railway between Darlington and Northallerton services may be delayed by up to 10 minutes.

Arriva North East has said that the Service X75 will not be running to Staindrop and Stainton due to flooding between Winston and Staindrop.

A red flood warning is in place for the River Tweed in Norham, Northumberland with levels remaining high enough for properties to be at risk of flooding.

A number of flood alerts are in place elsewhere in the region urging people to be prepared, including at the lower River Wear in Durham and Chester-le-Street.

River levels remain high in Durham City Centre.

Flood alerts are also in place on the Lower River Tees and estuarine tributaries near Stockton and the upper River Tees at Barnard Castle.

Other areas in the UK are feeling the full force of Storm Dennis, with more than 300 flood warnings issued across the country.

There are four severe flood warnings in place in England - meaning there is danger to life - on the River Teme at Ludlow, Eardiston, Little Hereford and Ashford Carbonel and Tenbury Wells and Burford.

An additional two severe flood warnings are in place in Wales, where a major incident has been declared, on the River Taff at Pontypridd and River Neath at Aberdulais.

Read your hour-by-hour weather forecast here.