Thunderstorms heading to the North East after flooding hits Europe
Prolonged rainfall, strong winds and lightning are all forecast for the North East today due to a weather system sweeping across Europe.
Met Office forecasters predict a dull, cloudy day with thunderstorms a possibility this evening.
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Hide AdThe storms come after Germany was hit by severe flooding over the weekend.
Four people are presumed dead in south-west Germany after rainstorms left one small town littered with debris and rubble.
A firefighter and a man he was trying to rescue in Schwaebisch Gmuend were sucked into a flooded underpass.
Both men were presumed dead, though their bodies had not yet been recovered on Monday, police said.
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Hide AdThe body of a third victim was found in a flooded garage in Weissbach near the city of Heilbronn.
In Schorndorf, near Stuttgart, a train fatally struck a 13-year-old girl as she sheltered from the rain under a railway bridge on Sunday evening.
In the small town of Braunsbach, two streams burst their banks, unleashing floodwaters that destroyed one house, damaged several others and left streets strewn with debris.
Much of Germany and Europe experienced heavy rainstorms over the weekend.
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Hide AdThe Met Office's North East forecast for the rest of the week:
Wednesday:
A dull and damp day, with cloudy skies and occasional outbreaks of rain and drizzle throughout. It will also remain rather windy, leading to a cool feel. Maximum Temperature13 °C.
Outlook for Thursday to Saturday:
Drier Thursday, but staying rather cloudy, especially along the coast. Sunny spells and lighter winds are expected Friday, but also isolated showers. Warmer, with more prolonged sunshine likely on Saturday.