Thousands without power after storms

More than 2,000 homes are without power after gusts of up to 70mph battered the North East.

Live updates

Storms have been battering the coasts of northern England. Credit: ITV news

The region's preparing for more bad weather today with gale force winds forecast for this afternoon and snow on higher ground.

Over the last few days, tens of thousands of homes lost power because of the bad weather.

Engineers have been working around the clock and most are now back to normal.

63,000 homes without power, electricity pylons down, passengers stuck for hours on a train. And more bad weather is on the way.

Victims of flooding in the North East say they are frustrated David Cameron has said 'money is no object' only after storms hit the South.

All the animals escaped unharmed after storm battered sanctuary. Credit: Kays Hall animal sanctuary

An animal sanctuary in West Auckland is appealing for help to repair damage caused by last night's storms.

Strong winds, up to 70mph, battered the region, tearing down electricity pylons and trees.

All the animals at Kays Hill animal sanctuary are safe but the site bore the full brunt of the weather.

Storm damages animal sanctuary in West Auckland. Credit: Kays Hill animal sanctuary

Strong winds caused damage at West Auckland animal sanctuary. Credit: Kays Hall animal sanctuary

Owners are appealing for help to repair the damage. Credit: Kays Hill animal sanctuary

Electricity pylon bears the brunt of strong winds in Houghton-le-Spring. Credit: Northern Powergrid

More than 2,000 homes were without power this morning after strong winds battered the region last night.

Gusts of up to 70mph tore across the country, knocking down pylons and trees.

Northern Powergrid said engineers will be working through the day to restore power.

Electricity pylon bears the brunt of strong winds. Credit: Northern Powergrid

Strong winds in Houghton-le-Spring last night knocked an electricity pylon down.

Northern Powergrid teams took this dramatic photo this morning as they started to repair the network.

More storms forecast just as trains back to normal

63,000 homes without power, electricity pylons down, passengers stuck for hours on a train. And more bad weather is on the way.
Flood victims frustrated but money IS on the way

Victims of flooding in the North East say they are frustrated David Cameron has said 'money is no object' only after storms hit the South.