Parts of the west country will be affected by severe weather including winds up to 80 mph over the coming few days.

The Highways Agency has advised drivers to take extra care on the roads.

The Met Office has predicted much of the country will be affected by severe gales on Thursday, followed by a change to much colder weather over the weekend and into next week.

Gusts of up to 80 miles per hour, accompanied by heavy rain at times, are expected on exposed sections of road and drivers of high-sided vehicles and motorcyclists are advised to take extra care.

Next week, widespread frosts and a risk of snow over northern and eastern parts of the country may cause further problems for drivers.

The Highways Agency, which manages and operates motorways and many A roads in England, advises all road users, including motor cyclists and drivers of high-sided vehicles, to take extra care on the roads and to plan their journeys.

For regular checks on the weather countrywide click onto weather in the left hand menu.