GUSTS of wind of more than 50 miles an hour and heavy rain are battering Leigh and the region.

The Met Office has put the area on an amber warning alert today, with the average wind speed reaching more than 30 miles an hour.

Residents have been warned to expect stormy weather throughout the day and motorists are being urged to take care.

The wind is expected to ease at around 6pm to an average of 14 miles an hour with gusts of up to 30 miles an hour.

There are reduced speed limits on some parts of the motorway network and the M60 Barton Bridge in Greater Manchester is closed due to an overturned lorry.

A Met Office forecast for the north west read: "It will be very windy with severe gales, and rain spreading southwards, heavy at times.

"Clearer, colder conditions following from the north in the afternoon with sunny spells and occasional showers, turning wintry, especially over hills."

If you have been affected by the bad weather, get in touch. Email newsdesk@leighjournal.co.uk or tweet us @leighjournal.