Storm Bram: Darlington set for heavy rain and strong winds

The Met Office has issued a yellow weather warning across Darlington, parts of County Durham, and Northumberland as the region braces for “persistent and heavy” outbreaks of rain. 

The rain could bring some flooding and travel disruption on Tuesday (December 9) while wind gusts could even be as strong as 49mph in the town. 

The weather warning for rain is in place until 3pm today, although there is a second weather warning for wind from 12pm until 6am tomorrow.

While this is not expected to impact Darlington, both Durham and areas of Northumberland could be hit by gusts of around 50-60 mph.

A yellow warning for rain is in place until 3pm, with an overlapping warning for wind covering areas of Northumberland and rural County Durham later. (Image: MET OFFICE)

As things stand, Darlington is expected to see around 80% to 90% chance of rain all morning before easing off into the afternoon. 

The Met Office said: “Outbreaks of rain will become persistent and heavy on Tuesday morning, before clearing into the afternoon. 

“Accumulations of 20-40 mm are likely over some hills, with up to 80 mm possible over high ground in Cumbria. 

“Given the saturated nature of the ground, this is likely to lead to some flooding in places and transport disruption. 

“Rain will also be accompanied by strengthening south to southwesterly winds, with gusts in excess of 60 mph possible over high ground, which may exacerbate impacts, especially on routes across the Pennines.”

The forecaster said there is a small chance that the rain could result in homes and businesses being flooded, trains and buses being cancelled or delayed, and power cuts to homes. 

However, it said the warning has medium impact and very low likelihood in Darlington. 

Regarding the wind weather warning further North, the Met Office said: “Southerly winds in association with Storm Bram will strengthen on Tuesday afternoon with the strongest winds transferring north from England and Wales into Scotland overnight before gradually easing during Wednesday morning. 

“Gusts around 50-60 mph are possible fairly widely, and potentially in excess of 70 mph for some exposed headlands and high ground. 

“Winds should gradually ease across Wales and northern England during Tuesday night and across Scotland on Wednesday morning.”