Flooding leaves the North East at a standstill

Photo: Kaitlyn Ashby

Much of the North East was hit with heavy downpours overnight, leaving many commuters stuck on flooded roads today (October 9).

Roads were submerged across the region, delaying motorists for more than an hour, after the Met Office announced a severe weather warning for rain across most of the UK.

Earlier today drivers faced delays of over an hour on the A1 in both directions, between junctions 60 at Bradbury and 59 for the A167 to Darlington and Newton Aycliffe, as rainwater restricted the motorway to single lane.

Photo: Kaitlyn Ashby

Some vehicles were left partially submerged and one resident of Blyth told ITVX that it was worse than he had ever known, while other residents in the area were using sandbags to try to protect their homes from flooding.

National Highways said: “Our contractors will be on site throughout the morning working to clear the water.”

Other areas of the North East were also affected by the heavy rainfall: much of Darlington saw drivers at a standstill and there were even abandoned vehicles. One Mini was left half submerged on the A68.

Photo: Gemma Todd/UGC

Firefighters were deployed to pump away water on the A1, and the County Durham And Darlington Fire Service said: “We would like to remind motorists to take extra care when driving through flooded areas.

“Avoid driving through deep water, and if the road is flooded, turn around and find an alternate route, to ensure your safety and that of other road users.”

Photo: Kaitlyn Ashby

This morning, the Met Office issued an updated weather warning for more rain across the North East, with disruption to travel and public transport, and anticipated interruptions to power supplies and other services in:

• Durham
• Darlington
• Hartlepool
• Middlesbrough
• Redcar and Cleveland
• Stockton-On-Tees

The Met Office advises the public to check frequently for severe weather updates in their area.