AN UNSEASONAL wind is gusting up to 60 miles per hour in Darlington today. The Met Office has issued an amber warning for the North East. People need to be prepared to deal with high winds.

They said: ”Some very exposed areas may see gusts as high as 80 mph. Winds will start to ease from the west by evening.”

Generally the wind speed is expected to stay around 30 mph, with small let up on Tuesday. By Friday, wind speeds may drop.

Although a ridge of high pressure is sitting over Europe, another very deep low-pressure area is focused to the west of the United Kingdom, and north of Shetland, causing a southwesterly blowout of increasing intensity.

High pressure is a sign of good weather, but it seems likely that temperatures will be low for the next few days. Inland the wind is starting to have an impact.

Debris is scattered along paths and roads, broken tree branches and masses of leaves are falling.

Traffic information provided by the Highways Agency suggests that it is dangerous to travel for high-sided vehicles, motorbikes and caravans, with a risk of them being blown over.

The A66, A67 junction near Bowes is causing massive concern, with some of the highest recorded wind speeds in the region. Although it is dry at the moment , squalls of rain are anticipated.

Incidents and congestion are already hampering travellers along the A66 (M). The junction between the A1 (M) northbound and the junction J57 and J65, has delays due to heavy traffic.

At sea, gale force conditions affect ships, yachts and smaller boats around the whole of the country. Weather fluxes are frightening and terrible for them, presently.

For information about road conditions visit www.highways.gov.uk/traffic The Met Office website is www.metoffice.gov.uk