People urged to stay safe as wild weather batters Hartlepool

Umbrellas might not be much good in this weather.

There's reports of flooding along Powlett Road/Easington Road Roundabout, plus water is also gathering.along Coast Road when coming from Blackhall.

@TrafficTees is also reporting on Twitter: "Flooding and surface water along the A689 between Sedgefield and Hartlepool."

County Durham and Darlington Fire and Rescue Service have urged people to stay safe.

A spokesman said: "If you know your home is at risk of flooding, be prepared and take safe precautions to protect yourself and your property."

Earlier today Met Office issued a yellow-category weather warning for the North East as "a broad area of heavy, persistent rain" heads for the region.

Only the most northerly parts of the North East were expected to be hit by the worst of it, but persistent showers would affect most areas.

Strong northeasterly winds were also predicted with gusts of 40-50 mph.

A Met Office spokesman said: "Please be aware of the possibility of localised flooding and disruption to transport.

"Some 20-30 mm of rain may fall in 6 hours in places whilst 30-50 mm may occur locally through the whole period, the greater risk of this being across parts of North East England where the rain becomes most persistent.

"There remains some uncertainty in timing and extent of the northward spread of the rain."