THE region was hit by thunderstorms yesterday, causing power cuts and flooding.
The worst of the bad weather was in the north of the region, with a heavy flash flood, accompanied by hailstones, in Gateshead and parts of north Durham, at about 3.30pm.
The deluge caused severe flooding on some roads within ten minutes, catching many motorists unawares.
A police spokesman said the Spa Well Road near Winlaton, Gateshead, was closed.
Burnopfield, Tanfield Lea and Tanfield Village, in County Durham, also suffered severe flooding.
Highways officials cordoned off a slip road from Front Street, Burnopfield, Busty Bank, after parts of the surface were washed away.
The bridge over the Derwent River, between Burnopfield and Rowlands Gill, was covered by up to 3ft of surface water at one stage.
There were also power cuts in the Durham area and in North Yorkshire, between York and Scarborough.
More heavy rain is expected today.
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules hereComments are closed on this article