WIND gusts of more than 50 mph are expected to hit Warrington this lunch time.

The town has already been battered by strong winds overnight with more expected throughout the day with the peak predicted at noon.

The Met Office has issued a yellow warning for wind in the town over the next 24 hours.

A tree fell down overnight near the Barn Owl Inn, on Warrington Road, Lymm, which has since been recovered.

Speed restrictions of 50 mph have also been put in place on the M6 at Thelwall Viaduct, with motorway police warning wind speeds could reach 60mph there.

Officers are urging residents to be careful when driving today. 

Despite the treacherous conditions, Cheshire Police says a drink driver was caught in the area while twice over the legal limit last night.