VERY strong winds reaching 75mph in some places are expected this evening and tomorrow.

The Met Office has issued a weather warning affecting the North West from 8pm on Tuesday to 10am on Wednesday.

Storm Aileen is the first storm to be named since this season's names were released last week, as part of the scheme by the Met Office to raise awareness of extreme weather.

It warns that travel delays by road, rail and air are likely, and that there is also a chance of power cuts, and damage to trees and perhaps buildings.

Storm Aileen — Why are storms named and who chooses the names?

Passengers are being urged to plan ahead and allow more time for travel this evening and tomorrow morning.

The weather is likely to increase journey times across all modes of transport, with damage to trees and restrictions on roads and bridges possible.

John Fryer, from Transport for Greater Manchester Transport, said: “We advise all passengers to take extra care tonight and tomorrow when you're out and about, no matter what form of transport you use.

“Please plan ahead and allow more time for your journey as disruption to journey times is likely."

Rod Dennis, spokesman for motoring organisation the RAC, said: "The arrival of the first named storm appears to mark a very early arrival of autumn.

"Aileen's impact is likely to be short but sharp in the north of England, and felt most by those driving in the early hours of Wednesday morning and into the morning rush hour.

"High-sided vehicles will need to take particular care, but anyone driving can expect to experience some very strong gusts and heavy rain which will make driving conditions difficult.

"Plan ahead and if you can delay your journey until conditions are expected to improve later on Wednesday, then do so."

For information on public transport across Greater Manchester visit www.tfgm.com, call 0161 244 1000 (7am-8pm, Monday to Friday, and 8am-8pm at weekends and bank holidays) or follow @OfficialTfGM on Twitter.