Storm Aileen: Shropshire gales warning issued

The first named storm of the year, Storm Aileen, is set to bring winds of up 75 miles per hour to parts of the UK this week, the Met Office said.

Highways England issued a severe warning of gales across the Midlands, with the alert starting from 9pm tonight until 9am tomorrow morning.

Parts of the UK were set to be battered by more strong winds and torrential downpours.

Gusts of up to 75mph were forecast for much of the country, with the strongest winds expected during the evening.

The Met Office has issued a yellow weather warning for the north of England down to the Midlands, as well as Scotland, Northern Ireland and Wales, which is in place from 8pm until 10am on Wednesday.

Road, rail and air services may be affected, with longer journey times and cancellations possible, along with some restriction to roads and bridges.

There is a also small chance of power cuts, and some damage to buildings such as tiles blowing off roofs, the Met Office said.

Forecasters say the gales will be coupled with heavy rain, causing hazardous driving conditions.

A predicted 1.5 inches (3.8cm) is forecast to fall in up to nine hours in Scotland and Northern Ireland, which could cause flooding.

Forecasters say homes and businesses in these areas could also be affected.

A weather warning is in place from 4pm until 6am on Wednesday.

Dave Throup, from the Environment Agency took to social media to share an update on the weather that Shropshire could expect.

West Mercia Police warned: "Rain is expected to start falling in the region from about 5pm and this will then be replaced at around 9pm by strong 40 to 50mph winds and the odd gust over 60mph. These are then likely to continue into tomorrow morning.

"We could see some damage as tree branches could be bought down onto roads. There is also the risk of some older trees falling, leaves upon the roads and very sodden ground.

"Also extra care should be taken by those driving high sided vehicles, caravans, articulated lorries as they are at significant risk.

"So do take care if you are driving upon country road and motorways, in or near one of these vehicles tonight."

Yesterday, flooding hit motorways, roads and railways in the north of England during morning rush hour.

Motorists were left stranded in cars as localised flooding hit roads in Oldham, and further east of Manchester roads in Mossley were swamped by the deluge running off the Pennine hills into the town. There are no reports of injury or damage to property.

Replacement bus services were put on for TransPennine train services between Manchester Victoria and Huddersfield after the railway line at Stalybridge, Tameside, flooded.

Flooding also hit a section of the M60 motorway in Salford with Transport for Greater Manchester urging drivers to take extra care due to the amount of water on the roads.