News
Weather Latest - 26/09/2012
Dated: 26 Sep 2012
Police are issuing advice in relation to heavy rain that has hit the region.
The force area has seen heavy showers and this caused localised flooding in some areas and problems for some local rivers. Officers are advising the public to monitor local media and agency websites for up to date news and information as the situation is changing all of the time.
Updates will be added to this page below:
17:30 update
The majority of the roads in our area have cleared and conditions are better than yesterday, however there is still some standing surface water around, particularly on minor roads, and motorists are urged to continue to take care.
Metro, trains, buses and the airport are all operating a full service and there have been no reported issues with transport across the region.
Although the weather warning has been downgraded there is further rain forecasted, and although it isn't expected to be as severe as already seen, the public are advised to monitor local media and weather updates.
Roads
Newburn Road is closed - local diversions in place.
The A690 westbound from the A19 roundabout remains closed, there is a diversion in place which takes motorists to the A183 junction at Chester Road, then south from Shiney Row on to the A182 and back on to the A690.
Rothbury - All roads to Rothbury are open and passable except the Weldon Bridge road and that is the B6344 - which will remain closed for several days due to significant structural damage - council highways are progressing repairs.
The bridge at Ford Forge in Berwick is temporarily closed
11:15am update
All roads into Rothbury are now open and passable except the Weldon Bridge road (B6344) - which will remain closed for several days due to significant structural damage - the council highways team are progressing repairs.
05:00am - Latest update regarding floods
Police are issuing advice ahead of the morning build up of traffic on the region's roads following heavy rainfall and flooding.
While many areas have cleared and the situation on the region's roads is better than it was yesterday,
Previous issues on the A1 northbound in Northumberland and at Kingsway in Team Valley have now been cleared.
There is still some standing surface water on roads across the region - particularly the minor roads - following rainfall and motorists travelling this morning are urged to take care.
Officers are advising the public to monitor local media and agency websites for up to date news and information this morning. Motorists are being advised to take care on roads, drive safely and watch out for standing water.
Officers are out across the region helping motorists and local residents in some of the most affected areas. As well as main roads, a number of minor roads still remain affected, diversions are in place where possible.
Superintendent Derek Scott said: "There is still water on the roads and some areas are affected. Anyone caught out by the rain and on the roads should stay calm and avoid any flooded roads and areas where possible.
"The advice from yesterday morning still stands. Allow extra time for any journeys and drive according to the conditions where you are. Reduce speed, keep your distance and make sure you are visible to other road users by having your lights on. Be alert for heavy accumulations of water and slow down going through them."
Officers continue to work in partnership with local authorities across the whole of the Northumbria area to monitor the situation and minimise disruption.
A visible police presence was in the communities affected overnight, while rest centres at the local high school in Morpeth and Newburn leisure centre remained open.
Supt Scott added: "While the situation on the roads this morning appears to have improved since yesterday, public safety remains our priority and we continue to have officers out in force and to monitor the situation.
"We recognise there has been severe disruption to many people in the region, particularly those who have been evacuated from their homes, and we continue to work with partner agencies to provide support."
For more information on weather conditions for the area visit the Met Office website. People seeking advice about flooding in their area can ring the Environment Agency Floodline on 0845 9881188. Further advice can be found www.environment-agency.gov.uk