SUFFOLK was being battered today by gales and rain as storm conditions swept across the country.Winds of up to 70mph were expected in some parts and communities in some areas have been put on flood alert.

SUFFOLK was being battered today by gales and rain as storm conditions swept across the country.

Winds of up to 70mph were expected in some parts and communities in some areas have been put on flood alert.

At Felixstowe, truckers were being warned it could be a stop-start day and the port could close for periods if wind speeds hit 45mph, when it will be too dangerous for quayside cranes to operate.

The port has parking for 250 lorries, but after this it may be necessary to use Operation Stack with vehicles queuing on the A14.

Suffolk police said there had been few problems during the blustery conditions overnight and no accidents.

A small tree had come down across the B1080 Holbrook Road near Stutton Corner, half blocking the road.

County council highways staff had been sent to the scene to clear it.

Weather service Metcheck said it would be a “wild and wet” day and in Suffolk winds were expected to reach 45mph with some stronger gusts, with heavy rain throughout the day.

Winds would die down this evening and then get stronger during the night with more rain tomorrow morning, but brighter in the afternoon. It would remain mild today - about 7C - but tomorrow will get colder, perhaps down to freezing.

The Environment Agency has put flood warnings in place at the River Severn between Worcester and Tewkesbury and from Tewkesbury to upstream of Gloucester.

Sandbags have been placed in front of homes and emergency services and councils are on stand-by and getting prepared for the worst.

Keep up to date with the weather and travel on the Evening Star's web site - www.eveningstar.co.uk