Stormy seas batter the Sunderland coastline as emergency services urge people to steer clear of the waves

Waves of up to 10ft are predicted for our coastline today, as the gales cause a heavy sea, with the views along Roker and Hendon already proving stormy.

The Met Office has issued a series of weather warnings for the region, with a yellow warning for rain in place until 3pm tomorrow, Saturday, February 6.

Another for snow and ice will then be in place from that point up until 11pm on Monday, February 8, with bitter temperatures and snow showers on low levels pushing inland from the North Sea.

Sunderland and Seaham’s Coastguard Rescue Teams have issued advice to help people keep safe and urged people to call 999 and ask for its service in an emergency – with walkers warned not to risk life and limb by taking selfies.

It said: “Severe weather warnings have been issued across large areas of the UK for the next five days.

“Sunderland has a yellow warning in place for the full five days for rain, snow and ice.

“We are also forecast very strong easterly winds, with gusts of up to 45mph predicted.

“This will result in very heavy seas and high wave heights.

"During these conditions the coast will be extremely dangerous.”

The teams have said people who live close to the seafronts and use it for exercise should find another place to go adding “The coast will still be there in five days time, we want you to be too.”

They said people should keep well away from breaking waves and avoid areas such as harbour walls, promenades, exposed beaches, rocky outcrops, cliffs and exposed coastal paths, as large waves are expected in these areas and the sea state is very rough.

They warned just a small amount of water can sweep a person out to sea.

They added: “On that note please also be mindful of the state of our local cliffs.

"Several partial collapses have occurred over the last couple of weeks and this weather will undoubtedly cause more

"Is that selfie or action shot worth it? Never risk your life for a photo. It simply isn’t worth the risk.”

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