WORCESTER could be in for a battering as winds of up to 70 miles an hour were set to hit the city later today.

The gusts expected in the afternoon and evening will also bring with them squally, thundery showers and heavy downpours in places.

Evening News weatherman Paul Damari has reminded residents to secure their fence posts and prepare for a blustery night.

He also warned that there is a risk of local flooding over the next few days, as heavy rain coupled with saturated ground means instant run-off into streams and rivers.

"The winds will quieten down to between 40 and 65 miles an hour over the next few days but there will remain a heavy risk of flooding this winter when more rain comes along," he added.

The Met Office has issued an advance weather warning of severe gales affecting the Midlands today with winds expected to increase to gale or severe gale with gusts of 60 to 70 miles per hour causing disruptions to travel and a danger from falling trees.

However, currently, Worcester is not at risk of flooding, according the Environment Agency website.