STORM ARWEN: Sunderland Council takes more than 400 calls as the weather takes its toll with huge waves hitting Roker Pier and a brick-covered car on Gloucester Avenue

People are advised to travel only if it is essential and stay away from the beaches and the Sunderland seafront promenade where huge waves have lapped on Roker Pier, which is closed to the public.

Strong winds are expected to continue for much of the day, with a yellow Met Office wind warning in place until 6 p.m., which could disrupt travel further and cause damage.

A statement from the local authority said: “The city council received more than 400 calls overnight and this morning as the community woke up to the full force of Storm Arwen.

“Council teams worked through the night alongside emergency services to resolve issues caused by the storm and continue to work at full capacity today to support communities. People are encouraged to be patient as the board handles the high volume of calls. “

The appeals dealt with damage to trees, buildings, businesses and residential property. In Gloucester Avenue, Roker, a car could be seen covered in bricks that had fallen from the side of a property. And there were similar scenes in St John’s Terrace, in East Boldon.

There is also widespread transport disruption with services suspended in the Tyne and Wear metro and a number of rail services also affected and there is a lot of debris on the roads so people are advised to only exit if their travel is essential.

Further up the coast, high waves also hit Seaham Harbor, while in the town fallen trees also damaged cars.