winds warning after Teesside travel chaos

TEESSIDE was bracing itself for further disruption today as ferocious winds were expected to tear through the region once more. Severe weather warnings remained in place after gales caused traffic chaos and damage to properties yesterday. Wind speeds of 71mph were recorded at Loftus - the second highest in England. The gales - caused by the remnants of Hurricane Katia - led to the closure of the A19 and resulted in severe tailbacks across major routes. An unearthed tree, killed George Brown, a 68-year-old Butterwick Hospice volunteer, after it fell on the ambulance he was driving on the A688 between Staindrop and Barnard Castle. Although the winds eased overnight, the Met Office today said they could strengthen again. Forecaster Alex Fox said: “Winds are expected to increase again today until this evening. “In the more exposed areas winds are likely to reach over 50mph and the centre of Middlesbrough could see 40mph winds.”

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