Flood alerts are in place across the region with people warned to be prepared in affected areas.

The Environment Agency has issued warnings for flooding, mainly around the Tees and

Alerts are in place for the Upper River Tees, River Gaunless in West Auckland, and becks in Middlesbrough including the Marton West Beck, Newham Beck, Ormesby Beck, Middle Beck and Spencer Beck

The Environment Agency said: “River levels are high due to last night's persistent and heavy rainfall.

“Flooding is forecast to affect locations near the Upper River Tees, particularly around Riverside footpaths and low lying land and roads.

“Avoid using low lying footpaths and any bridges near local watercourses.

“We are closely monitoring the situation.”

When a flood alert is issued residents are told to be ready to follow a flood plan, have insurance documents and any medications ready, avoid walking, cycling or driving through any flood water, and move any livestock and farming equipment away from areas likely to flood.

It is less serious than a flood warning, which tells residents to ‘act now’, and that flooding is “expected”.

Recommended reading:

Get more from The Northern Echo with a digital subscription.  Click here.

It comes as roads have been closed due to flooding in the wake of heavy rainfall.

The A1(M) has been completely closed in both directions near Darlington with delays of more than one hour.

Parts of the A167 and A68 have been left flooded with water spanning the carriageway.