SUFFOLK was battening down the hatches today as winds of up to 65mph were forecast to batter the county.Weather experts warned that damage could be caused by the winds, with particular risk of falling trees due to the fact that many are still in full leaf.

IT was a topsy turvy world in Suffolk today.

One minute we were pulling out our brollies and the next we were being treated to glimpses of sunshine, while also battening down the hatches as winds of up to 65mph were forecast to batter the county.

Meanwhile weather experts warned damage could be caused by the winds, with the particular risk of falling trees as many of them are still in full leaf.

Residents in Henley Road, Ipswich woke up to the first of such damage today after a tree fell outside Ipswich School, blocking part of the road.

Colin McAllister, a forecaster for the Met Office, said today: “We had strong winds across the whole of England last night. It started off in the south-west and it's gradually spread across.

“We've got strong winds today, which will be the windiest day.

“On the East Anglian coast, such as Felixstowe, we are looking at wind speeds of 60 to 65mph. Further inland, such as in Ipswich and Stowmarket, we are seeing wind speeds of 50 to 55mph.”

Evening Star weatherman Ken Blowers added: “We had three-quarters of an inch of rain last night and today was to bring more showers and some sunshine.

“The wind will probably bring down a tree or two because many are still in full leaf. Just be careful if you drive.”

He expected the wind to drop to about 20mph tomorrow and the weather to be slightly drier over the weekend - and said fireworks night could be reasonable.

Henley Road residents said they were sad to see the red-leaved cherry tree go.

Resident Vera Gair said: “We didn't hear any noise as this tree came down. It's sad to see it go. I hope it's replanted.”

Jenny Jones, headteacher at Ipswich Prep School, said : “It was a very attractive, red-leaved cherry tree that graced the front lawn of the school.

“We are very sad to see it go. The children have certainly noticed.”

A council spokesman said: “We started work to clear the tree about 7am. One of our supervisors, who lives nearby, was on the scene within minutes of the tree blowing down.

“The highway was cleared as quickly as possible.”

Was your property affected by the strong winds? Write to Your Letters, Evening Star, 30 Lower Brook Street, Ipswich, IP4 1AN or send us an e-mail to eveningstarletters@eveningstar.co.uk