Gale force winds wreak havoc across Lancashire

Wind speeds of 65mph have been recorded in Lancashire as gales batter the county.
Wind speeds of 65mph have been recorded in LancashireWind speeds of 65mph have been recorded in Lancashire
Wind speeds of 65mph have been recorded in Lancashire

Emergency services have been kept busy today as Storm Clodagh swept in from the Atlantic.

Police reported a fallen tree on the M61, near the junction with the M65 south of Preston, on Sunday afternoon.

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Accidents have been reported across the county's network of motorways and wood was also reported to have blown onto the carriageway on the M55, causing problems for drivers.

Police are advising motorists to travel 'only if necessary' until the worst of the storm passes.

Meanwhile, firefighters received at least seven calls to unsafe buildings in Lancashire within the space of an hour shortly after noon.

The effects are being felt right across the county. including Blackpool, Lancaster, Burnley and Ormskirk.

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A tweet from North West Motorway Police, sent at around 1.20pm, said: "There is a tree blown down on the M61 J9 area."

The account later posted a message saying: "Numerous RTC's in the Lancashire force area. Please check travel news and travel only if necessary for the next couple hours."

The Met Office has issued a weather warning for wind, which is in force right across the county until 6pm on Sunday.

A spokesman said: "Please be aware of the potential for disruption due to the gales and severe gales."

In Blackpool, the gales prompted the Environment Agency to issue a flood warning during high tide on Sunday.