Storm Ciarán: Flooding on roads, rail and ferry disruption in the North East

Storm Ciarán is causing disruption on roads across the region today, including on the A694 between Shotley Bridge and Ebchester, where a tree is blocking the road. Credit: ITV Tyne Tees

Motorists are facing disruption due to heavy rain causing flooding on roads across the region.

There are issues affecting both the A1 and A19, while LNER rail passengers have also been advised not to travel due to Storm Ciarán.

Highways England is advising anyone planning to travel today to plan their journeys.

There were delays on the A19 this morning due to flooding near Castle Eden. All lanes are now reopen.

The A19 northbound exit slip road for the A690 in Tyne and Wear is closed due to flooding.

There were also delays on the A1(M) around Bowburn, in County Durham. One lane had been closed due to flooding but has now reopened.

There are also reports the A66 is closed due to flooding. The westbound carriageway is closed from the A1(M) at Scotch Corner, in North Yorkshire, and Barnard Castle.

The A1 southbound entry slip road at junction 66 (Washington, Birtley) is closed due to flooding.

In County Durham, a tree is blocking the A694 between Ebchester and Shotley Bridge, near Consett.

The Shields Ferry service is also suspended due to swells on the River Tyne.

Huw Lewis, customer services director at Nexus, which runs the service, said: "The Shields Ferry service is currently suspended due to Storm Ciarán. 

A tree has come down on a house on the A694 between Ebchester and Shotley Bridge. Credit: ITV Tyne Tees

"The swell on the River Tyne has reached two metres and the crew decided in the interests of safety to stop the crossings.

“Ferry tickets are being accepted on Metro services. We are trying to arrange a replacement bus service, but this has been hampered by the Go North East strike.  

“Stagecoach buses 10 and 11 run between North Shields and South Shields and this an alternative customers may want to consider using.

"Updates will be posted on nexus.org.uk and on the Shields Ferry Facebook page as we get them.”

LNER has warned that its services may be cancelled or delayed due to the weather.

People are being advised not to travel on Thursday and Friday. Tickets for LNER services are valid until Tuesday 7 November.

There are several flood alerts in place across the region, including for the lower River Wear in County Durham, the rivers Pont and Blyth in Northumberland, the Tyne and Wear coast, the River Gaunless in County Durham and Middlesbrough Becks on Teesside.

There are flood warnings in place for the River Ouse in York and at Roker, in Sunderland, where people are advised properties are at risk of flooding.

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