MOTORISTS are being urged to be cautious amid predictions of high winds across the North this evening and tomorrow morning.

Met Office forecasters based in the Highways Agency’s National Traffic Operations Centre in Birmingham warn of very strong winds of 50 to 70mph across the North between tonight and 7am tomorrow (Monday 11 August).

A Highways Agency spokesman said: "Conditions on the roads will be exacerbated by the persistent and often heavy rain.

"The pulic are warned to be aware of the risk of disruption from strong winds, which may cause some damage, with disruption due to fallen trees and debris onto roads."

The Highways Agency is advising drivers of vulnerable vehicles to take particular care at the following locations.

North West
M53 junctions 1 to 2
M56 junction 12
M58 junction 1
M6 junctions 20 to 21 - Thelwall Viaduct
M6 junctions 26 to 27
M6 junctions 36 to 45
M60 junctions 10 to 12
M60 junctions 16 to 17
M62 junctions 18 to 27
M61 junctions 4 to 5
M61 junction 9 / M65 junction 1
A56 between M65 and A680
M65 junction 3 to 4
A66 between M6 junction 40 and A1 (Scotch Corner)
A69
A595 near Whitehaven