HIGH winds are expected across the county tonight, with experts warning that trees could be blown over.

Alerts have been issued about how Storm Aileen will impact driving conditions, the chance of power cuts and damage to trees or buildings.

Gusts of up to 50 miles-per-hour could affect Droitwich and the Malvern Hills between midnight this evening and 6am tomorrow morning.  

Frank Hill, a Malvern weather forecaster who previously worked for the Met Office, said: “We could reach 40 to 50 miles-per-hour winds.

“People can expect some sounds from the wind. If it gets up to 50 I’d expect to see some trees blown over.

"There’s still lots of leaves on the trees and it’s more likely for trees to be blown over.

“It’s more likely to be in the higher ground to the north west and north of Worcester.

"I would have thought Droitwich, Bromsgrove and up to the north side of the Malvern Hills.”

Highways England and The Met Office have issued weather alerts and motorcyclists and drivers of high-sided vehicles or caravans have been advised that they face increased dangers of their vehicles being blown over.

Highways England said: "Drivers are advised to plan for their journey before they set out, checking the forecast and road conditions and to leave extra time if the weather becomes severe.

The Met Office first issued a yellow weather warning for the West Midlands from 8pm on Tuesday evening until 10am on Wednesday morning.

It has now upgraded that to an Amber warning for wind - but only for the north of the county. The warning remains at yellow for those living in the south of Worcestershire.

It said: "Very strong winds with gusts of 55-65 mph, perhaps reaching 75 mph in exposed places, are looking increasingly likely on Tuesday night into Wednesday morning.

"Longer journey times by road, rail and air are likely, with restrictions on roads and bridges.

"There is also a chance of power cuts, and damage to trees and perhaps buildings."