Batten down the hatches for the gales

WE’RE about to be battered by gale force winds on Monday, with travel disruption and power cuts “likely”.

The Met Office has issued a weather warning about the high winds, which forecasters predict will arrive in the region during the early hours of Monday.

While the strongest winds are likely to affect Scotland, North East England is expected to be hit with gusts of 60mph.

The winds, which are forecast to last all day, are likely to disrupt travel plans.

The Met Office warned: “Some delays to road, rail, air and ferry transport are likely. Some bus and train journeys may be affected with some journeys taking longer.

“Delays for high-sided vehicles on exposed routes and bridges are likely. Some short term interruptions to power supplies are possible.”

On the weather warning for the North East, the Met Office’s chief forecaster added: “Winds are expected to strengthen across northwestern areas on Sunday evening with a swathe of gale force winds expected to cross many northern parts of the UK during Monday.

“Gusts of 50-60mph are likely to develop quite widely, with gusts of 70mph developing over northern Scotland and more locally over high ground elsewhere.”

Before the winds arrive, the North East is braced for a varied weekend of weather.

Today is forecast to be unshine, followed showers and tomorrow heavy rain is expected.