The North East has seen disruption and damage wrought in the wake of Storm Babet, as it battered the UK.

Strong winds and heavy rain have been causing dramatic scenes in the North East today (Friday, October 20) – especially on the coastlines – as the first storm of the season took hold.

Storm Babet has seen the Met Office issue yellow and red weather warnings across the UK as areas of low-pressure push northwards from France. The North East has been under amber warnings for heavy rain and yellow warnings of wind will still be in place on Saturday (October 21).

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A flood alert has been issued for the North Sea coastline including Hartlepool, Seaton Carew, Redcar, Saltburn by the Sea, Skinningrove and Cowbar.

The Shields ferry was also cancelled as a safety precaution following the storm-created significant tidal swell, that is forecast to last all of Saturday. A replacement bus is running today, and will continue on Saturday via Tyne Tunnel, 7am until 11pm.

Again, in South Shields, the South Shields Pier lighthouse also fell victim to the weather, with the dome unable to stand the 50mph winds and crashing waves. The top of the lighthouse fell into the sea, and was seen floating in the harbour later in the day.

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A Port of Tyne spokesperson said that both the North and South Piers will remain closed until inspections can be completed, prioritising the safety of all individuals.

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Sunderland University closed its St Peter’s Campus, located on the banks of the River Wear following the “ongoing adverse weather conditions”.

Roads across the region were also closed after trees were felled by the blustery conditions.

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The Cleveland Centre in Middlesbrough was damaged by Storm Babet, losing part of its roof in the gales. Middlesbrough Council were forced to close the centre due to the damage.

The Northern Echo: Amber warnings for wind and rain have been issued for parts of northern England, the Midlands andIn Seaburn, near Sunderland, the storm caused foam from the sea to cover the shoreline, whipped up by the high storm winds off shore.The Northern Echo:

Yarm Fair, which was due to take place in the town from October 19 to 21, has been cancelled in a "public safety" effort due to the fluctuating weather.

National Rail Enquiries said train services are disrupted in north-east England and Yorkshire because of severe weather, with services cancelled due to flooding and speed restrictions in place.

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The Met Office’s chief meteorologist, Jason Kelly, says: “Eastern parts of Scotland will see exceptional amounts of rainfall over the next few days and the significant accumulations are likely to cause considerable impacts from Storm Babet.

“Numerous amber and yellow rainfall warnings are in place for rainfall over the coming days, up to and including Saturday, but in the red warning area 100-150mm of rain is expected to fall quite widely, with some locations possibly seeing 200-220mm, which is expected to cause considerable impacts, with flooding likely.”