Storm Bert Amber snow warning for County Durham and Darlington

A yellow weather warning in place for snow across Darlington, County Durham and Northumberland has been recategorized as amber with heavy snow expected.

Areas including Bishop Auckland, Barnard Castle, west Darlington, Crook, Consett and rural Northumberland are all impacted.

The Met Office says Storm Bert will bring a spell of heavy snow on Saturday morning.

Met Office map showing the weather warnings in place on Saturday November 23, 2024. (Image: MET OFFICE)

A yellow warning remains in place for the rest of the region from 4am on Saturday until 9am on Sunday.

It is predicted there will be very heavy snow followed by a rapid thaw and torrential rain in the afternoon.

As much as 30cm of snow could fall on higher ground.

Snow will eventually change to rain in all areas by Saturday afternoon, but may be preceded by a short spell of freezing rain in places adding to the ice risk. Strengthening winds will lead to drifting of lying snow, with difficult travelling conditions likely on higher level routes, and the risk of interruptions to power supplies. A fairly rapid thaw of lying snow is then likely later on Saturday and overnight as milder air moves in.

Met Office spokesman Oli Claydon said Storm Bert was a “multi-hazard event”.

“We’re looking at strong winds, some high snowfall accumulation, heavy rain, all in various different parts of the UK,” he said.

“So it’s quite a complex weather set-up for the weekend. Generally speaking, it’s a very unsettled weekend of weather ahead.”

He advised the public to keep an eye on the weather in their areas.

“Because of the different nature of the weather across the UK, people really need to have an idea of what the forecast is for them specifically.

“Further south it’s wind and rain, further north it’s snow then rain and wind. So it really depends on where you are in the UK. Keep on top of the forecast for your area, and prepare as necessary.

“Obviously, with snow and ice there could be some pretty tricky conditions, especially in the morning (on Saturday), so if you are going to leave the house pay attention to what’s going on in your area with the local authorities.”

The A66 has been closed in both directions overnight from Friday into Saturday between the B6276 at Brough and the A67 at Bowes.

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What does an amber warning mean?

The Met Office warns travel delays on roads are likely, stranding some vehicles and passengers. Power cuts are likely and other services, such as mobile phone coverage, may be affected.

There is a good chance that some rural communities could become cut off and some delays and cancellations to rail travel are likely.

It is recommended not to drive if possible, and be prepared for power cuts and other disruption.