Wind sees travel restrictions and races called off
Hexham RacecourseHigh wind speeds have seen travel restrictions, tip closures and a horse race meeting called off.
Met Office warnings for wind are in force until 20:00 GMT in the north-east of England and Cumbria, with alerts also in place in Scotland and Northern Ireland.
Hexham Racecourse abandoned a meeting of seven races today over safety concerns "due to very high winds".
Some roads across the region, including the A66 between Bowes and Brough and the A19 Tees Viaduct, have been closed to high-sided vehicles.
The racecourse in Northumberland called off the day's events after a morning inspection measured gusts of 50mph (80km/h), a spokesperson said.
In a statement, the venue said it would contact people who had purchased tickets.
BBC Weather Watchers / MackemIanNational Highways said it had closed some roads to vehicles such as lorries and caravans, and would monitor and advise when restrictions would be lifted.
Restrictions included on the A19 flyover between the A66 in Middlesbrough and the A1046 over the River Tees in Stockton.
Meanwhile, councils in the region closed a number of tips.
Durham County Council shut Annfield Plain, Heighington, Hett Hills, Horden, Stainton Grove, Coxhoe, Potterhouse, Seaham, Tudhoe and Romanway.
Middlesbrough Council closed its Household Waste Recycling Centre on Haverton Hill Road.
And Northumberland County Council said its North Seaton, Berwick, Bebside and Alnwick sites were closed.
