A LORRY driver has been rushed to hospital after his vehicle was blown over on the M61.

The man, aged in his 40s, suffered “significant” injuries after the lorry fell down an embankment on the motorway at about 4.15pm today.

His condition was described as “unconscious but breathing” and he is now receiving treatment at Salford Royal Hospital.

High winds of up to 50mph are battering Bolton as the tail end of Hurricane Gonzalo sweeps through the town.

The Met Office issued a “yellow” severe weather warning for high winds across the region, which was in place until 8pm last night.

Two lanes northbound and one southbound were closed as motorists experienced huge delays travelling home from work.

A police spokesman said: “We were called to a report of a waggon down an embankment between junction four and three on the M61.

“The driver was unconscious but breathing at the scene. He was taken to Salford Royal Hospital.

“Road closures were put in place.”

A spokesman for the North West Ambulance Service (NWAS) said: “We were called at 4.17pm and we have taken a man, in his 40s, to Hope Hospital, who were on standby.

“He has significant injuries.”

North West Motorway Police tweeted: “M61 southbound J3 — currently one lane closed due to HGV down an embankment. Currently long delays in area. "The crash at J3 is also affecting northbound access from M61 to A666 Kearsley spur due to where the lorry has landed. Very busy in the area.”

A Met Office spokesman said before the wind struck: “Gales, and more locally severe gales, were expected to affect much of the country, extending across southern counties.

“Gusts of 40 to 50 mph, locally more than 50 mph were likely inland, with 60 to 70 mph gusts in some exposed coastal areas, locally higher on hills.

"The public should be aware of the potential for disruption to travel and possible damage to trees.”

A tree fell down on Bury Road at the junction of Crompton, Way on to the eastbound carriageway heading towards Bury, causing delays for motorists and blocking the footpath.

There were also reports of trees being blown over in Horwich.

Heavy rainfall in the early hours saw flooding and large pools of surface water on many major roads and motorways during the morning rush hour, with the M62 badly affected.