Heavy rainfall has caused a coastal road to be closed by police after the road surface became damaged by the amount of water. 

Cleveland Police have confirmed that Beach Road, leading up to Skinningrove Bank Road in Saltburn, has been closed due to water damage. 

Officers from the police force and council contractors have sealed off the road, to repair the damage and clear the water.

A statement from Cleveland Police reads: "Officers have closed Beach Road leading up to Skinningrove Bank Road in Saltburn due to water damage to the road. The council is aware and is also attending the scene.

"Drivers are urged to avoid the area whilst the incident is dealt with. Thank you for your patience."

Despite the closure of the road, more rain is set to hit County Durham and the wider North East on Wednesday (July 10) after 20mm of rain hit the region overnight. 

Overnight, a thunderstorm warning was put in place, as lightning accompanied downpours into the early hours of Wednesday morning.

Despite the weather warning no longer being in place, the Met Office has said that caution still needs to be taken for anyone going out in the weather today.

Rainfall of 10-20mm is possible in an hour or so, with some places potentially seeing 30mm in a few hours, the forecaster added.

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Motorists are likely to experience delays to their journeys because of flooded roads and spray, the forecaster warned.

Some homes and businesses may also be at risk of flooding alongside a small chance of damage from lightning strikes.

In its forecast for Wednesday, the Met Office said: "A murky start for many, with showery outbreaks continuing through the day, these becoming heavy and thundery at times. Perhaps brightening up a little as the day goes on, but remaining mostly cloudy. Feeling humid. Maximum temperature 18 °C."