Storm Arwen Newcastle: Met Office issues red weather alert - 90mph winds, ‘danger to life’ & very large waves

The Met Office has issued a red weather warning for wind for parts of North East England and Scotland.

The alert was issued by the Met Office shortly after 10.30am on Friday.

An amber warning had been in place but concerns for gusts of up to 80-90mph and “very large waves” forced the Met Office to increase the threat level.

“A spell of exceptionally strong northerly winds will affect eastern coastal districts of Scotland from later this afternoon moving south into south-east Scotland and north-east England this evening,” said the Met Office.

“Gusts of 80-90 mph are likely and these will generate some very large waves.”

The red weather warning is valid from 3.00pm on Friday to 2.00am on Saturday.

What to expect:

• Flying debris resulting in danger to life.
• Damage to buildings and homes, with roofs blown off and power lines brought down.
• Roads, bridges and railway lines closed, with delays and cancellations to bus, train, ferry services and flights.
• Power cuts affecting other services, such as mobile phone coverage.
• Large waves and beach material being thrown onto coastal roads, sea fronts and homes.