Met Office issue 'danger to life' warning as North East braces itself for Storm Ciara winds

The yellow weather warning issued earlier in the week has been updated by the Met Office as of 10.13am, on Thursday, February 6 to include to the likelihood of impacts, injury and danger to life. The warning is also now only for Sunday, February 9.

The weather warning will be in place between 12am, Sunday morning and 9pm, Sunday evening.

Storm Ciara will bring very strong winds and potentially some disruption to travel throughout the day. Gusts of 50mph to 60mph are possible across many inland areas and winds could also reach around 70mph in coastal areas.

However, the Met Office is unsure whether the wind will reach this strength or when will occur. A spell of heavy rain will also affect many regions for a time, making driving conditions very poor.

What to expect

Injuries and danger to life from flying debris are possible.

Injuries and danger to life may occur from large waves and beach material being thrown onto sea fronts, coastal roads and properties.

Some damage to buildings (such as tiles blown from roofs).

Road, rail, air and ferry services may be affected, with longer journey times and cancellations possible.

Some roads and bridges may close.

Power cuts may occur, with the potential to affect other services (such as mobile phone coverage).