THE Met Office is warning Bolton to brace for a second day of high winds.

The public should be aware of the risk of disruption to transport and possibly to power supplies, a spokesman said.

Gusts of up to 70mph are expected from late in the morning, with a severe weather warning in place until 8pm.

Yesterday, high winds hit Greater Manchester before slowing at about midnight.

A Met Office spokesman said: "South to southwesterly gales or severe gales are expected to develop across areas adjoining the Irish Sea this evening, with gusts reaching 60 to 70 mph in places, possibly around 80 mph in exposed coastal and hilly sites.

"The winds will ease by midnight, but then after something of a lull, a further spell of very strong winds, this time from the west, is expected from late Thursday morning onwards into the evening, again with gusts of 70 mph or more in places."

Road users across the North West are being urged to check the weather and driving conditions before setting out on journeys 

Gust speeds are set to be peak between 5pm and 8pm and evening commuters are urged to check traffic and weather conditions before setting off for home.

The Highways Agency, which operates and maintains motorways and major A roads in England, is working closely with the Met Office to monitor weather conditions and maintain safe roads and reliable journeys.

Locations in the North West potentially affected by gusts later this afternoon and this evening include the M60 between junction 16 at Kearsley to junction 17 at Prestwich. 

The M61 near Westhoughton could also be hazardous.