Storm Babet

The Met Office is warning of prolonged rainfall across the North East accompanied by easterly gales, and although conditions will improve through Saturday afternoon it will remain unsettled next week.

A Yellow Met Office Warning for Rain remains in place until until 06:00 on Saturday and a Yellow Warning for Wind until 12:00 on Saturday.

Due to the stormy weather conditions, Roker Pier will remain closed until Monday.

With 50-60 miles per hour winds and large waves along the coast, the council is also continuing to advise people against venturing onto the beaches and the promenade at Sunderland's seafront. People are also being advised to stay away from swollen rivers and watercourses.

Anyone who does have to go out is being urged to take extra care and to allow more time for their journeys.

The City Council has put arrangements in place to support residents and respond to any potential issues arising from the weather conditions.

This includes making sure that vulnerable residents are ok and having staff on standby, ready to respond to any reports of flooding, fallen trees or other damage caused by the strong winds and rain.

Residents are also being asked to play their part by securing any loose items in their garden or yard such as garden furniture, equipment or trampolines, to avoid them being blown around.

Anyone with tickets for the Festival of Light in Mowbray Park, for tonight, Saturday or Sunday is reminded that the event will not be going ahead in view of the weather forecast and the likely impact of the rain and strong winds on ground conditions on site.

See Tickets has contacted all customers with tickets for Friday and over the weekend, offering them the choice of a refund or a change of date. All other dates for the Festival of Light, which runs through until Saturday 11 November and is open every day over half term, are still available to book at: www.mysunderland.co.uk/fol

If you need to contact the council about a storm related issue, you should do so on 0191 520 5550. Outside of normal working hours, calls will only be taken on urgent issues.