Weather experts have issued a yellow warning for thunderstorms and flooding in the North East on Sunday.
The Met Office says thunderstorms developing across the region may cause disruption and localised flooding. The alert runs from 1pm to 9pm on Sunday, covering Newcastle, Gateshead, Northumberland, North and South Tyneside, Sunderland and County Durham.
A spokesperson said: "Whilst there remains some uncertainty in whether thunderstorms develop as cooler conditions follow from the west, there is a chance that an organised line of thunderstorms could develop across northern Britain during Sunday afternoon before clearing east into the North Sea during the evening. This is more likely to happen across eastern parts of the warning area including North East England and eastern Scotland.
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"Rainfall amounts will vary significantly, but some locations could see 30-40 mm in 1-2 hours. Frequent lightning, large hail (up to 3cm in diameter) and strong, gusty winds will be additional hazards."
There is a small chance that homes and businesses could be flooded quickly, with damage to some buildings and temporary outdoor structures from floodwater, lightning strikes, large hail or strong winds, the Met Office added.
There could also be disruption on roads and to public transport. The warning says: "Where flooding or lightning strikes occur, there is a chance of delays and some cancellations to train and bus services.
"Spray and sudden flooding could lead to difficult driving conditions and some road closures. There is a slight chance that power cuts could occur and other services to some homes and businesses could be lost."
Here's the Met Office five-day forecast for the North East:
Saturday
Cloudy with patchy light rain in the morning, the rain mainly across the Pennines, and breezy in places. Becoming dry and brighter in the afternoon, with sunny spells gradually developing as the wind eases. Warm, and also feeling humid. Maximum temperature 25°C.
Saturday night
Patchy cloud will persist, with some evening sunny spells and then clear spells overnight. Patchy mist, fog or low cloud may form around dawn. Feeling warm and humid everywhere. Minimum temperature 16°C.
Sunday
Dry and bright start before heavy, thundery showers develop, with perhaps hail and gusty winds. Heavy, sometimes thundery, rain replaces the showers through the afternoon. Feeling very warm and humid. Maximum temperature 29°C.
Outlook for Monday to Wednesday
Monday sunny then becoming cloudy, with rain later. Tuesday bright or sunny spells with scattered showers, possibly heavy and thundery. Wednesday dry and fine. Feeling fresher with temperatures near normal.
