Nine flood warnings have been put in place for the North East, North Yorkshire and Northumberland amid the rain and wind brought by Storm Gerrit.

According to the Environment Agency, five major flood warnings, meaning flooding is expected, are active in England, along with 100 lesser flood alerts.

While there are no major warnings in the region, nine more minor alerts have been issued by the Agency. 

The flood alerts include:

  • Upper River Derwent
  • Gypsey Race and the Wolds
  • Upper River Wharfe
  • Upper River Nidd catchment
  • Upper River Ure
  • Upper River Swale
  • River Gaunless
  • Upper River Eden
  • Coastal rivers in North Northumberland

Meanwhile, train operator LNER has cancelled or amended some of its services due to the severe weather.

The A1M is currently closed northbound between J52 (Catterick, Richmond) and J53 (Scotch Corner) due to flooding from heavy rain in the area.

The RAC has warned drivers not to underestimate the dangers of high winds.

The Northern Echo: Flood alerts in place in the North East/North Yorkshire and NorthumberlandFlood alerts in place in the North East/North Yorkshire and Northumberland (Image: ENVIRONMENT AGENCY)

Spokesperson Simon Williams said: “While high-sided vehicles are most at risk of being blown off course, car drivers can also be affected when they pass lorries on the motorway and are suddenly hit by the full force of the wind on the other side.

“Keeping both hands on the wheel at all times is the best advice, along with watching other vehicles very carefully so as not to get caught out by any unexpected changes in course.

“Getting to motorways and major roads may also be more difficult. Drivers should reduce their speeds and be on the look-out for fallen branches, and even trees, along with other debris.”

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Met Office meteorologist Simon Partridge said Storm Gerrit was named as a warning to people travelling after the Christmas holidays.

He said: “Due to the extent of the warnings that are being issued, it was deemed that a named storm would be a good idea because it will highlight to the public the risk associated, particularly as today is likely to be quite a busy day on the roads with people travelling back home from Christmas and things like that.”

There is a chance of power cuts, as well as a small chance that homes and businesses could be flooded.

Anywhere above 200 metres in Scotland and the northern isles is likely to see some snow, he added.