Roads had to be cleared of water and felled trees after wind and rain hit County Durham on Thursday (November 2).

Named Storm Ciaran, large amounts of water from downpours led to isolated flooding incidents in both Lanchester and parts of Consett, as the rest of County Durham escaped relatively unscathed.

After Storm Babet hit the region's coastal locations and rivers in October, Storm Ciaran was expected to bring similar misery to communities. 

The Northern Echo: A council worker tries to reduce the flood water in County DurhamA council worker tries to reduce the flood water in County Durham (Image: DURHAM COUNTY COUNCIL)

But while Durham County Council dealt with over 120 enquiries from residents over the course of Thursday, there was not a repeat of the widespread issues seen in Storm Babet. 

Despite avoiding the worst of the extreme weather that hit the south coast of England, Ireland, Scotland and parts of the Midlands, flood alerts for certain parts of the North East and North Yorkshire are in place. 

The Northern Echo: Council workers trying to unblock a drain near LanchesterCouncil workers trying to unblock a drain near Lanchester (Image: DURHAM COUNTY COUNCIL)

Almost 90 flood warnings are in place with more than 235 flood alerts stretching up through the country, after the south coast and the Channel Islands were battered with heavy rain and gusts of up to 100mph on Thursday.

The yellow weather warning that was in place for the North East on Thursday has now been lifted, with the Met Office saying that the worst of the weather event may be behind us.

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Met Office meteorologist Aidan McGivern said: “Hopefully the worst of it is now easing at it moves away.

“Ciaran is moving into the North Sea. It’s weakening. It is filling but it’s still bringing quite a blustery wind to many places.”

Here is the Met Office look at today, tomorrow and into next week for County Durham:

Today: Remaining unsettled, with further outbreaks of showery rain, especially towards coastal areas throughout the day. However, there will be some drier and brighter spells developing further inland. A windy day, especially along coastal areas, easing later. Temperatures near average. Maximum temperature 10 °C.

Tonight: Further rain or showers feeding into coastal areas, these are likely to push inland and move southwards. Some drier and clearer interludes. Turning locally chilly, with lighter winds. Minimum temperature 2 °C.

Saturday: Further spells of rain or showers during the morning, before easing to leave a drier and brighter afternoon. Cloud increasing in the far south later. Breezy and cooler. Maximum temperature 9 °C.

Outlook for Sunday to Tuesday: Staying unsettled, with a mixture of sunny spells and scattered showers throughout the period, although with some lengthy drier interludes, especially in sheltered eastern areas. Often windy. Temperatures near average.