EAST Lancashire was bracing itself for more gales today after the Met Office issued a weather warning to drivers to take extra care.

The region escaped largely unscathed as high winds swept in overnight, but council workmen were called out in the early hours after scaffolding was blown down at Broseley House -- the old Department of Social Security offices -- in Ainsworth Street, Blackburn. No-one was injured.

There were, however, reports of fallen trees blocking roads elsewhere in the county.

Winds were forecast to rip in at 40mph to 60mph today and drivers of high-sided vehicles in particular were put on alert.

East Lancashire can also expect fast-moving wintry showers to blow in later today, the Met office added.

Meanwhile, there was an extra hazard for drivers commuting into Blackburn this morning when several sets of traffic lights were reported to be out of order on stretches of the new Orbital Route.

And in King Street a water main leak flooded part of King Street.