SUFFOLK was bracing itself for a buffeting from gale force winds today.A series of depressions coming in from the Atlantic were expected to deliver strong winds up to 50mph, with forecasters warning of several days of severe weather.

SUFFOLK was bracing itself for a buffeting from gale force winds today.

A series of depressions coming in from the Atlantic were expected to deliver strong winds up to 50mph, with forecasters warning of several days of severe weather.

Throughout the areas electricity suppliers were on high alert over possible damage to power lines while the operators of Felixstowe port were preparing for possible delays.

The port was forced to suspend some activities overnight as winds reached high speeds.

Hutchison Ports (UK) corporate affairs manager Paul Davey said: "If the winds are above about 45mph we stop work for safety reasons.

"We did have some stoppages overnight.

"When we do have prolonged periods of high wind it does lead to delays in haulage."

The Met Office warned that in some areas winds could strengthen at times with damaging gusts of up to 80mph.

Affected areas stretch from Scotland and Northern Ireland to Wales and large parts of England, including East Anglia.

Periods of heavy rain are expected, with rainfall in excess of 100mm possible over parts of western Scotland and northwest England.

The Met Office advised that in areas affected by the wind and rain, driving conditions will become dangerous and some disruption to transport is likely.

Evening Star weatherman Ken Blowers said that winds were expected to reach 50mph in Ipswich today, while on the coasts gusts may increase to 60mph.

Mr Blowers said: "We've got a succession of depressions from the Atlantic moving to the north of Scotland.

"The worst winds are always on their southern flanks and that is why the UK is getting it."

Winds of between 20mph and 30mph were recorded early today while the windy weather was expected to remain until after the weekend.

While threatening to disrupt transport and industry, the winds were also delivering milder temperatures, with Friday's peak temperature expected to be 12C.

Mr Blowers said: "It's extremely mild.

"The air is coming from the sub-tropical Atlantic which is down by the Azores.

"In the next two or three days I think it's going to turn colder."