THE Met Office has warned winds of up to 80mph could batter the region on Friday, causing widespread disruption.

A yellow weather warning has been put in place for Bolton and Greater Manchester from 3am until midnight.

Forecasters say a weather system will move eastwards across the UK with gusts between 60mph and 70mph inland, and have warned winds could reach 80mph in exposed areas.

Experts say the strong winds could affect the roads and rail networks, with longer journey times and cancellations possible.

They have also warned of a chance of damage to buildings such as tiles blown from roofs, and the potential for power cuts.

A spokesman said: "We have got a deepening low pressure system coming across the Atlantic and the north half of the UK, bringing strong winds and heavy rain.

"It is not that unusual for this time of year. But they are going to be strong enough that we would want to warn people."

This morning a blanket of fog descended on Bolton, causing tricky driving conditions.