Storm Barbara: Trees and power line brought down in Shropshire

A tree was reported to have come down in Marchamley, near Market Drayton, while another was blocking Ingram Lane, in Chelmarsh, by The Kings Head.

Power cuts hit more than 100 properties in the county after an overhead power line blew down in windy weather and an underground mains failed.

About 58 premises were left without electricity at Shelve near Church Stretton at about 2.50pm. Services were restored to all but 15 addresses a short time later.

A further 66 properties were affected in the the Apley Avenue area of Telford due to an underground mains fault.

Michael Clarke, of utility firm Western Power, said: "Some 66 properties in Apley were without power from about 3.15pm. It is due to an underground fault. We are going to be working on it and we're aiming to get the power back to all the properties by 8pm."

Four properties in Child Ercall near Market Drayton also suffered a power cut.

Winds of up to 70 mph were lashing the Midlands as Storm Barbara arrived in the region.

The Met Office warned emergency services that conditions from midday today had "the potential to cause danger to life or widespread disruption".

The agency, which issued a yellow 'be aware' wind warning for the West Midlands, says the storm will remain until 6pm.

A spokesman said: "A short period of strong winds is expected to develop during the afternoon. Gusts of around 50-60 mph are likely in places, perhaps up to 70 mph in exposed locations. Some disruption to travel is possible."

He added: "The sudden onset of strong, gusty winds, along with a short period of heavy rainfall, has the potential to lead to difficult driving conditions during the afternoon." The maximum temperature will be 11 C (52 F).

Environment spokesman Martin Tett said: "Councils are fully prepared to protect residents and minimise disruption caused by Storm Barbara and other potential bad weather such as snow and flooding. Council staff will be out in force clearing roads of any debris and damage."

Christmas Eve will be quieter though still breezy, according to the Met Office.

It will remain windy with outbreaks of rain on Christmas Day with temperatures of 8 C (46 F), and on Boxing Day there will be sunny spells while the wind speeds will ease with temperatures of 12 C (53 F).

Yesterday heavy fog around London saw delays to flights from all three of the capital's airports.

Barbara follows Angus in being only the second name designated this season, which began on October 1.

Storms are only named when they are deemed to have the potential to cause a substantial impact in the country.

It is the first storm since Katie in March. Other storm names to feature last season were Abigail, Barney, Clodagh, Desmond, Eva, Frank, Gertrude, Henry, Imogen and Jake. The next storm will be called Conor, the Met Office said.