THE winds and rain of Storm Doris have hit East Lancashire this morning.

Forecasters have said the weather system is likely to damage buildings, send debris flying and bring down trees.

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A 79mph gust was recorded in Gwynedd, North Wales, at 8am as Doris started to make its way east across the country, with the system later declared a "weather bomb" by the Met Office.

Senior meteorologist Greg Dewhurst said there will be "very strong winds and gales", and the centre of Doris will "track out to the North Sea at around lunchtime".

He added: "The whole system will still be over the UK, right through the afternoon. The winds then will start to ease from the West through this evening."

Amber warnings predicting strong winds and heavy rain are in place for North Wales, the Midlands, the East and the North West and have been extended to include the London area.

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