Warning as gales and snow to hit

Gales, heavy downpours and snow showers are set to batter

the West Midlands as a wild weather system sweeps in from the Atlantic.

The region is bracing itself for extreme conditions with gusts of up to 60mph expected.

Winds could reach 90mph in some western parts as a band of low pressure sweeps over the country.

Motorists are being warned to drive carefully when travelling along exposed stretches of road.

Heavy rain was affecting the West Midlands this afternoon.

The high ground in Scotland could see several inches of snow and snow showers are expected to hit the West Midlands on Monday night as temperatures drop to -1C (30F).

The Met Office today issued severe weather warnings for the west coast of Britain.

Forecaster David Cox said: "The winds will increase quite quickly during the early part of this evening.

"The region will have several hours of heavy rain and some parts will see gusts of up to 60mph.

"The wind is expected to die out by tomorrow morning and it is likely to be a bit colder with hail showers for a time."

He said there could be snow showers on Monday night, into Tuesday, in the West Midlands.