A flood alert has been issued for Bishop Auckland and other parts of County Durham as the region is battered by heavy rain and strong winds. 

A yellow weather warning is in place for the North East on Thursday (September 26) as The Met Office predicts 40mph and above wind gusts and heavy showers throughout the day. 

An orange flood alert has since been issued by the Government for the Lower River Wear, with areas at risk including Bishop Auckland, Durham city centre, Chester-le-Street and several other rural spots across County Durham.  

The alert map shows affected areas are from Escomb to Sunderland including the Rivers Browney, Cong Burn and Lumley Park Burn.

People have been urged to avoid using low lying footpaths near local watercourses and plan driving routes to avoid low lying roads near rivers, which may be flooded.

River levels are expected to rise following the heavy rainfall this morning and overnight, although officials said they are not currently expecting to issue any flood warnings.

The situation will be closely monitored throughout the day.

The Met Office said: "A period of heavy and persistent rain is expected to affect parts of northern England and north Midlands during much of Thursday.

"The heaviest rainfall is likely to be across the Pennines and North York Moors where 80-100 mm of rainfall could accumulate during the course of the day. Elsewhere, totals are likely to be lower, reaching 20-30 mm widely but with a risk of 50-70 mm in some locations."