WINDS will reach up to 55mph today as Storm Gareth sweeps across the North West.

Met Office forecasters have again issued warnings after heavy winds and rain caused travel disruption in multiple areas yesterday.

The strong gusts are expected to impact travel again today as speeds increase in mid-afternoon before dropping again in the evening.

Meanwhile, forecasters think there will be a break in the rain around noon, with showers returning around 8pm and continuing until mid-morning on Thursday.

Storm Gareth has battered parts of the UK from North to South since arriving on Monday afternoon but is set to move away from land towards the end of this week.

As the storm moves away the winds will ease and the rest of the week will remain unsettled with showers or spells of rain, and some brief drier interludes.

Although temperatures will be near average for the time of year it will often feel colder due to the strong winds.