Storms: Flash flooding

Engineers are working to restore power to more than 7,000 homes that were cut off after yesterday's storms.

Northern Power Grid says 7,337 homes remain without electricity, down from 23,000 immediately after the flooding and lightning storms. It says those affected will have their power restored "as soon as possible."

It says the cuts happened after electricity substations were flooded, and restoring power took longer than normal because of traffic congestion caused by the rain.

The worst affected areas are Consett and Stanhope in County Durham, and Alnwick in Northumberland.

The Environment Agency has issued flood warnings for the North East after flash flooding yesterday afternoon.

People in properties and low lying areas near Smallhope Burn at Lanchester are being warned to take action.

And a Flood Warning is still in force for the Ouse Burn at Woolsington and Brunton Park. This means that flooding of homes and businesses is expected.

Flash flooding has caused havoc across the region. Storms swept in from the west on Thursday afternoon, leaving roads underwater, homes flooded and people stranded.

Roads were gridlocked in towns and city centres.

Northern Power Grid say they are working to restore power to an estimated 13,000 homes in the region.

Newcastle, North Tyneside, Consett in County Durham and Prudhoe in Northumberland are understood to be the areas worst affected.

There is a telephone helpline for anyone wanting advice or information:

*0800 66 88 77 *

Northern Power Grid are advising anyone currently without power to remove all plugs from sockets and ensure switches are turned off.

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East Coast trains have confirmed no services will run north of Newcastle tomorrow morning because of a landslide near Berwick.

East Coast and Cross Country will accept tickets bought for travel on Thursday or Friday on Saturday.

No replacement bus services are running because of conditions on the roads.

Northern Rail have confirmed no trains are running on the Newcastle to Carlisle line.

East Coast hope to operate a regular 30 minute service from Newcastle to London on Friday.

For more information visit the East Coast website.

Both Tyne Tunnels have reopened this evening after problems with flooding.

Northern Power Grid have told ITV Tyne Tees that an estimated 23,000 homes are without power in the North East.

The main areas affected are:

• Consett, County Durham
• Prudhoe, Northumberland
• Whitley Bay, North Tyneside
• Shiremoor, North Tyneside
• Newcastle upon Tyne
• Stanhope, County Durham

Network Rail say 30 tonnes of rubble are believed to have fallen on the main East Coast rail line between Edinburgh and Newcastle. The company is investigating the landslide at Spittal near Berwick.

Network Rail were unable to give guidance on how long it would take to move the debris.