Storm Eleanor hits West Midlands: 300 homes without power, trees uprooted and blocked roads during disruption

Disruption was forecast throughout today as the storm swept across the country overnight carrying heavy rain, hail and dramatic thunder and lightning.

A scaffolding pole smashed a window in West Bromwich and trees were uprooted, one of which fire crews attended as it had also taken down a telegraph pole.

West Midlands Fire Service said a 60ft marquee took flight as strong winds arrived.

They warned drivers of high-sided vehicles to take care and for motorists to be alert to debris on the roads.

Meanwhile around 300 homes and businesses in the Alvechurch, Kidderminster and wider Wyre Forest and Worcestershire areas were left without power overnight.

Also 13 homes in Tipton were affected, Western Power Distribution confirmed.

Engineers had worked to restore electricity and all the Tipton properties were re-connected by lunchtime.

In the early afternoon around 110 properties elsewhere still remained cut off.

In Stourport the B4196 Astley Cross was partially blocked as a bus shelter was blown into road.

The A449 between Ombersley to Crossway Green - near the speed camera and just before Ombersley turn - was blocked due to a tree on the inside lane.

Motorists were warned of delays on the M5 where lanes were closed in Worcestershire after a lorry overturned.

People using the M5 northbound from J6 at Worcester to J5 at Droitwich faced disruption into the early hours and morning rush hour.

Highways England posted an image showing crews aiming to right the lorry and recover its load.

The A450 Worcester Road, through Harvington, close to Kidderminster, was partially blocked due to a fallen tree.

And there was traffic jams at the Burnt Tree junction between Dudley and Great Bridge.

A yellow warning of wind remains active for all of England and Wales, most of Northern Ireland and the Scottish Borders until 6pm on Wednesday after an amber warning was put in place for the early hours.

Meteorologist Becky Mitchell said the risk of more "violent storm-force gusts" had lessened, although wind speeds of between 70mph and 80mph could hit some parts.

"Storm Eleanor has swept through and the eye is now crossing the North Sea, although there will continue to be strong gusts through the day," she said.

"We have seen some heavy showers push through across the south of the UK along with hail, loud thunder and lightning, which has woken people up.

"It is possible there will be quite widespread disruption this morning and it is worth checking before you travel."

And the Environment Agency issued a flood alert for Worcestershire.