Heavy rain causes chaos to parts of the region

Nov 19 2009 by Lisa Hutchinson, The Journal

TORRENTIAL rain brought flood chaos to the North East, yesterday.

More than 20mm of rain fell over parts of the region during the early hours of yesterday morning and more was expected overnight.

And last night there were more than 20 flood alerts in place across the North East as rivers swelled.

And managers at Hexham Racecourse called off yesterday’s meeting, because of the severe weather conditions.

But it was County Durham that saw the worst of the weather.

Heavy rainfall caused flooding in some rural areas of leading to difficulties for motorists and businesses.

Crews from Durham County Council were out working to tackle problems and reduce any inconvenience to residents yesterday.

Fallen leaves that were blocking gullies and causing flooding outside Crook fire station, on the A690, have been removed, while sandbags were issued to at risk businesses. More than 500 bags have been filled and are being held on standby at council depots.

Roads around the River Wear in Durham City and Chester-le-Street were being closely monitored, and flood warning signs put in place.

In Jubilee Bridge, Willington, near Crook, where the Wear burst its banks the road was closed, and also at Framwellgate Waterside in Durham.

And emergency services were kept busy throughout the day, rescuing a number of animals that has become trapped by the flood water. Three semi-wild Exmoor ponies became trapped on a patch of grass at a nature reserve when the River Wear burst its banks.