Hurricane strength I believe. The gusts are really, really strong.
Totally off topic but just driven home through Fawdon and nearly ran over an old man who was blown across the road in front of me. I stopped just in time and got out to help pick him up and see if he was all right and had difficulty standing up myself. The wind was against the door opening otherwise I think my door would be off the car by now.
Thankfully the old guy was just a bit shaken up with a few cuts (and no doubt bruises) but did not want a fuss (Geordies , eh!) and would not contemplate hospital; after I ran him home he seemed OK but bet he'll be sore in the morning. Thinks I should have got his phone number to give him a bell to see that he's OK