Severe weather warning issued for Midlands

Fierce storms are set to lash the Midlands tomorrow with gale-force winds of up to 80mph and heavy rain predicted to cause misery for millions of people returning to work.

The Met Office has issued severe weather warnings for most parts of the UK. Forecasters say powerful gusts could cause travel disruption in the region during the morning rush hour.

The stormy conditions bring an end to the mild weather over the Christmas period. Temperatures peaked at 15c (59F) on New Year's Eve, ending a year which has been the warmest since 2006.

Northwest Scotland was hit by gales, sleet, hail and snow on high ground last night and this morning, with the wintry weather expected to engulf the rest of the UK over the next 24 hours.

Sleet fell in parts of Birmingham first thing this morning.

Forecasters say today will be much colder than yesterday, with temperatures reaching 7C (45F) and wintry showers also expected. Tonight will see rain moving in, with the mercury dropping to 4C (39F).

The winds are set to ease by Wednesday.