WARNINGS have been given to Bury motorists with high winds expected to batter the borough for most of the day.

The Highways Agency has issued an amber alert and urged drivers in the North West and North West of England to be “cautious” with strong winds forecast until at least 3pm on Friday.

Meanwhile the Met Office has sent out an amber “be prepared” alert to north Wales and northern England ahead of predicted gusts of up to 80mph.

So far there have been no reports of road blockages or severe delays affecting the Bury area but a fallen tree has shut the M60 clockwise between junction nine and junction ten for the Trafford Centre.

The stretch of the M60 from Barton Bridge to the M62 at junction 12 should also be avoided by high-sided vehicles, according to the agency.

The junction of the M61 and the M65 at Bamber Bridge has also been busy and problems are expected on the motorway network in Merseyside, Cumbria and other parts of Lancashire.

Northern Rail has reported delays of up to 30 minutes between Manchester Piccadilly and Manchester Airport due to an earlier broken down train at East Didsbury.

A HIghways Agency spokesman said: “Road users driving high-sided vehicles, riding motorcycles or towing caravans are being urged to check traffic and weather conditions before setting out on journeys and to heed any advice such as speed restrictions once they are on the strategic road network.

“The Highways Agency, in conjunction with the Met Office, strongly advises that these types of vehicles avoid, if at all possible, the following sections during the Severe Weather Alert.”

- Have you suffered any weather damage? Send your pictures to newsdesk@burytimes.co.uk