EMERGENCY services are warning people to take extra care when travelling this morning and over the weekend after the MET Office issued a weather warning for strong winds.

Winds measuring up to 60mph were set to batter Worcester last night and were predicted to continue this morning.

More rain was due to fall on top of the 12ml of rain that fell on Thursday morning.

Additional Worcestershire Highways teams are on standby today following a MET Office weather warning for strong winds.

Although Worcester will escape the worst of the so-called “weather bomb” — real name explosive cyclogenesis — that hit the North of the UK, the city hasn't come out completely unscathed.

Ian Michaelwaite, from Pershore-based Netweather.tv, said: "There was due to be frost this morning and this frost will carry over in to Saturday and Sunday.

"This will come with a biting wind and some heavy rain showers too. With all of that rain falling on to the rain water that is already here, there is some potential for flooding in some areas, especially the more rural areas.

"Drivers should take care on the roads in case of icy patches.

“The main bulk of the really rubbish stuff is up North though and will miss us."

A spokesperson for West Midlands Ambulance Service echoed the warning.

“The forecasted strong wind and heavy rain will no doubt make driving conditions difficult. Please take extra care if you are out on the roads this weekend and keep up-to-date with road issues on the web or via traffic news on your local radio station."

Cllr John Smith, Worcestershire County Council cabinet member for Highways, said: "The strong winds and rain forecast will make conditions difficult overnight and through to tomorrow morning. The message to anyone making journeys is to take care and temper their driving according to the elements.

"We've got additional gulley emptying gangs on standby and the same goes for all of our tree removal contractors. They'll be doing all they can to help if they are required."