Latest flood alerts in the North East including Northumberland Coast and River Tyne

Flood alerts remain in place into Wednesday after a day of heavy rain and flash floods across the North East.

At the time of writing on Tuesday evening, April 9, there are a total of 11 flood alerts for the region, more than half of which are in Northumberland. Two flood warnings have been removed in the last 24 hours, one for the River Tyne from Hexham to Wylam; and another for the River Tyne Estuary – affecting the Quayside and surrounding areas.

Despite the worst of the flooding appearing to be over, the Environment Agency says it is expecting higher than normal tides over the next two days, and further warnings and alerts may be issued. For the latest information and advice for where you live, visit the Government’s check for flooding service.

Tyne Estuary

The flood warning on the Tyne Estuary was removed at 18.25 on Tuesday evening, after the river burst its banks on Newcastle Quayside earlier in the day. A flood alert for the wider area remains in place, while there is a chance that the Quayside will flood again between 16.45 and 18.45 on Wednesday afternoon.

The Environment Agency says that the threat of Tuesday afternoon’s high tide has now passed, but water levels on the Tyne Estuary will be higher than normal on Wednesday afternoon. This could see flooding on riverside footpaths and low lying land and roads.

Affected area: Tyne estuary from Wylam to the North Sea coast, including Watergate Car Park at Newcastle Quayside.

Tyne and Wear coast

A flood alert remains in place for the Tyne and Wear coast from St Mary’s Lighthouse in Whitley Bay in the north, to Crimdon Park, North Hartepool, in the south. The threat of flooding from Tuesday afternoon’s high tide has now passed.

The Environment Agency does not expect to see impacts from tomorrow morning’s high tide, but water levels on the North Sea coast on Wednesday afternoon will be higher than normal due to high tides, large waves, and spray overtopping.

Areas most affected will be Seaburn Lower Prom, Roker Seafront and Hendon Prom. Higher than normal tides are expected over the next two days and further flood alerts or warnings may be issued.

Affected area: North Sea from St Mary’s Lighthouse to Crimdon Park, North Hartlepool.

Northumberland Coast

A flood alert remains in place for the entirety of the Northumberland Coast. The threat of flooding from Tuesday’s high tide has now passed, and the Environment Agency says it does not expect to see impacts from Wednesday’ morning’s high tide.

However, water levels on the North Sea coast on Wednesday afternoon will be higher than normal due to high tides, large wave and spray overtopping. Flooding is possible at beaches, promenades, coastal footpaths and roads between 4.45pm and 7pm on Wednesday afternoon.

Areas most affected will be Beadnell Harbour Road North, Alnmouth River Footpath, Newbiggin Bay North Promenade.

Affected area: North Sea from Berwick to St Mary’s Lighthouse

Coastal Rivers in North Northumberland

A flood alert has been issued for coastal rivers in North Northumberland, whose levels have risen due to today’s heavy rainfall. Flooding is possible at riverside footpaths and low lying land and roads throughout Tuesday evening.

The area most affected will be Belford. River levels are expected to fall overnight, and will be continually monitored by the Environment Agency.

Affected area: Coastal rivers in Berwick and Alnwick Districts including the River Aln and Waren Burn.

Lower River Wear

River levels on the Lower River Wear have risen throughout Tuesday due to heavy rainfall. Flooding is possible at riverside footpaths and low lying land and roads.

The Environment Agency advises people to avoid using low lying footpaths and bridges near local watercourses, and not to attempt walking or driving through flood water.

Affected area: Lower River Wear from Escomb to Sunderland including the Rivers Browney, Cong Burn and Lumley Park Burn.

Ouseburn and estuarine tributaries

A flood alert for the Ouse Burn and its tributaries has been issued from 2.45pm on Tuesday afternoon. River levels are expected to peak overnight and fall tomorrow morning.

Affected area: Ouseburn, its tributaries and north bank tributaries of the Tyne estuary.

River Rede

A flood alert has been issued for the River Rede due to heavy rainfall. The area most affected by any rainfall will be Otterburn Mill.

The River Rede burst its banks in West Woodburn in January 2021 .

Affected area: River Rede and its tributaries from Catcleugh Reservoir to the Redesmouth.

Rivers Derwent, Team, Don and estuarine tributaries

Rivers Derwent, Team and Don have all been issued with a flood alert after water levels rose throughout Tuesday.

Affected area: Rivers Derwent, Team, Don, their tributaries and south bank tributaries of the Tyne estuary.

Rivers Pont and Blyth

A flood alert has been issued for the Pont and Blyth rivers in Northumberland. River levels are expected to peak overnight and fall tomorrow morning.

Affected area: Rivers Pont and Blyth and their tributaries.

River Wansbeck

A flood alert has been issued for the River Wansbeck in Northumberland, and the Environment Agency has closed Morpeth floodgates. As with many others, river levels are expected to peak overnight and fall on Wednesday morning.

Affected area: Rivers Wansbeck, Font, Hart Burn and their tributaries.

Upper River Coquet

A flood alert has been issued for the Upper River Coquet after the river levels rose in heavy rainfall. Rothbury floodgates were closed at 16.30 on Tuesday afternoon, with river levels expected to peak overnight and fall tomorrow.

In October 2023, Rothbury residents had to be evacuated from their homes when Storm Babet hit the region, with many at risk of flooding.

Affected area: Upper River Coquet, River Alwin and their tributaries from source to Pauperhaugh.