SEVERE gales will bring disruption to the region this morning as the Met Office upgrades to a rare amber warning for Storm Doris.

Wind speeds of 60 to 70 mph are possible in some places today (Thursday, February 23) - even reaching 70 to 80 mph in hilly areas.

For most, winds will peak at around the 40 mph mark.

Particularly at risk are high-sided vehicles, caravans and motorbikes. Drivers are “strongly advised” to avoid travelling on some stretches of road in the Midlands.

Anyone affected by power cuts during the storm is encouraged to dial 105 for further information.

To add to the dour conditions, a squally band of rain will also move eastwards throughout the morning. 

Brighter spells are expected in the afternoon, however, with a maximum temperature of 10°C.

Storm Doris is expected to move on quickly, with the worst of the weather gone by the evening.

But by then it will begin to turn colder again in the wind with isolated showers.

For a more detailed weather forecast for the rest of the day, click here.

You can enter your location, to get an accurate forecast for where you are.