Weather experts have issued a yellow warning for wind, with gusts of up to 70mph expected to hit the North East.
The warning from the Met Office runs from 6am to 6pm on Friday, February 17, with strong winds developing through the day, which may bring disruption to travel. All North East areas are covered by the alert, including County Durham, Gateshead, Newcastle, North Tyneside, Northumberland, South Tyneside and Sunderland.
Some parts may see winds of 50mph to 60mph, but gusts of 70mph are possible in "more exposed trans-Pennine routes". A Met Office spokesperson said: "A period of very strong winds may develop through Friday morning, before slowly easing into Friday evening.
Read More: Yellow warning for fog and hour-by-hour forecast for Wednesday and Thursday
"Winds will be strongest over, and immediately to the east of high ground, with gusts of 50-60 mph. Gusts as high as 70mph are possible, particularly for some of the more exposed trans-Pennine routes. High-sided vehicles may be particularly impacted."
The Met Office is urging people to be careful when out and about, and be aware of flying debris that may cause injuries. There may also be disruption to roads, rail, air and ferry services, and a possibility of power cuts.
Here's the five-day weather forecast for the North East:
North East weather forecast
Wednesday
Fog patches soon clearing to give sunny spells for a time, however becoming cloudy and breezy late morning with outbreaks of rain arriving from the west. Dry and bright conditions returning mid-afternoon. Maximum temperature 11 °C.
Wednesday night
Becoming cloudy into the evening with drizzly outbreaks of rain arriving from the west, rain especially affecting the Pennines and cheviot hills. Feeling breezy at first. Minimum temperature 5 °C.
Thursday
Cloudy and dull Thursday with outbreaks of light rain throughout, rain more continuous across the Pennines and Cheviot Hills. Light winds during the day but becoming windy overnight. Maximum temperature 11 °C.
Outlook for Friday to Sunday
Severe gales on Friday with outbreaks of rain to start but becoming brighter towards midday, winds then easing overnight with plenty of sunny spells expected Saturday. Further rain expected Sunday.
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