Region hit by power cuts and fallen trees during Storm Floris

OVER 70 fallen or damaged trees have been reported in Newcastle alone as the cleanup operation continues following Storm Floris.

- DAVID HUNTLEY and DANIEL HALL

The North East was battered by high winds on Monday, with power cuts and travel disruption reported across the region.

The storm had been subject to a yellow weather warning from the Met Office, and a long list of attractions across the region closed as a safety precaution. Alexandra Road in the Bensham area was closed for several hours as emergency services recovered a fallen tree and damaged vehicle.

The tree appeared to have fallen onto a parked silver Honda Jazz while a second, red, vehicle was also trapped. North East Ambulance Service confirmed no-one was injured.

Newcastle City Council teams worked throughout yesterday to clear debris from the roads.

Coun Alex Hay, deputy leader of Newcastle City Council and cabinet member for neighbourhood services, said: "The safety and wellbeing of our communities is our absolute priority and I'd like to thank all of those who have reported damage to us during Storm Floris.