Storm Pia knocked down trees, closed venues and left public transport users facing issues after high winds hit the North East on Thursday (December 21).
Winds of up to 50mph hit coastal parts of the region, while inland locations experienced 30-40mph winds, which caused several issues for roads, train links and town and village centres.
A Met Office yellow weather warning was in place until 3pm across the region, while public transport users struggled to access some services.
In Middlesbrough, the wind was so severe that large pieces of debris were seen being blown from the roof of the former St Cuthbert's Church on Newport Road in Middlesbrough.
Passers-by at the Grade II listed building noted that the road had to be closed off to allow emergency services to work at the scene.
Slip roads of the A66 near the building were also closed as a matter of precaution.
A spokesperson for Cleveland Fire Brigade said: "Due to falling debris and public safety, the A66 slip road onto Newport Road is closing until further notice and A66 east slip road to Cannon Park is also being closed. Two crews from Middlesbrough Fire Station are at the location to provide any assistance needed alongside Cleveland Police."
With the road closures in place, Chapel, a pub on Whitehouse Street in Middlesbrough, which is next door to the former church, has decided to close, due to fire service cordons still in place.
In a statement, Chapel said: "This morning high winds have damaged the structure of the old church next door to Chapel (Tower Ballroom).
"We have decided to close this evening as we wait for the full assessment and advice from the structural engineers who are working at the site.
"The whole road to our premises has been shut as a precaution due to falling debris please avoid the area and keep safe in the windy weather!"
Meanwhile, Egglescliffe School announced on Thursday that pupils in years 12 and 13 wouldn't be at the school on Thursday or Friday, due to the high winds.
The school, which is based on Urlay Nook Rd, also noted that the demolition of a building near the sixth form school was a factor in deciding to close some of the school off to certain year groups.
A statement from the school read: "Egglescliffe School will be closed to Year 12 and 13 students today and tomorrow (Thursday, 21 and Friday, 22 December) for safety reasons due to high winds and the demolition of a building near the sixth form."
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On public transport, train operators “strongly” urged their customers from the North East not to travel on services to and from Edinburgh before mid-afternoon, as Storm Pia is expected to cause significant disruption.
Issuing “do not travel” advice, TransPennine Express (TPE) and London North East Rail (LNER) asked customers to delay their journeys in and out of the Scottish capital until after 3pm.
In Darlington, residents experienced several weather-related incidents, including bins blowing around in the alleyways of the town, while the Christmas tree in Cockerton blew done.
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