WARRINGTON could be hit by severe winds from this afternoon.

The Highways Agency is urging motorists to take care as heavy rain and winds of up to 80mph predicted to pummel the region until midnight.

Road users are advised to plan their journeys before setting out, check weather conditions, leave extra time for their journeys if travel conditions are poor, and delay their journey if the weather becomes severe.

The Met Office is a forecasting a vigorous storm bringing spells of heavy rain across the country through Wednesday afternoon and evening, bringing 15 to 25mm of additional rainfall in areas already saturated.

High-sided vehicles, caravans and motorbikes have been advised to avoid the Thelwall Viaduct on the M6 if possible during the severe weather.