Flood alerts are gripping the North East coast today (September 27) due to persistent, stormy weather.

High tides, strong winds, and large waves throughout the morning may cause flooding around the high tide between 11am and 3pm.

The alert spans from Old Hartley in Whitley Bay down to Hartlepool.

The coastline of North Tyneside, South Tyneside, and Sunderland are included in this potentially hazardous area.

Those most exposed involve beaches, promenades, coastal footpaths, roads, and car parks.

The flooding alerts service urges the public to avoid these areas that are vulnerable to flooding.

Another flood alert exists farther inland, within the vicinity of the Rivers Derwent, Team, and Don in Gateshead, County Durham, and Northumberland.

Following yesterday's downpours, river levels have risen; this alert extends from Blaydon down to Consett.

There's an additional alert in place for the Lower River Wear, stretching from Sunderland city centre down to Bishop Auckland.

Residents are asked to avoid low-lying footpaths near local watercourses and plan driving paths to sidestep roads close to rivers that may be flooded.

Thursday experienced heavy rain and thunderstorms battering most of the UK, prompting Amber weather warnings across parts of central and southern England.

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The weekend predicts a drier and sunnier day in the North East on Saturday, but wet and windy conditions are set to return by Sunday.

The Met Office advises those living in areas vulnerable to flooding to prepare a flood plan.

This could involve a list of essential contact numbers, steps to shut off electricity or gas supply, and a strategy for moving valuable items to a secure location.