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Crewe Railway Station was evacuated and closed after high winds batter blew part of the roof off and brought power lines down.

Rail lines in the area were also been closed as South Cheshire bears the brunt of winds which are reported to be gusting between 80-100 mph.

National Rail reported the station reopened at about 7.15pm.

The dramatic news comes just hours after forecasters issued a red wind warning covering the North West region.

Although Cheshire is officially covered by an amber warning, the Met Office has issued a red alert for the North West and Wales, which means Cheshire residents should ‘take action’ as exceptionally strong winds hit the region.

The Met Office warned members of the public to ‘alter their travel arrangements during this spell of storm force winds’.

Winds reaching 80mph are expected but could possibly reach 100mph in the most exposed locations.

The forecaster added: “Winds of this strength can cause widespread structural damage, bringing down trees and also leading to loss of power supplies. In addition, large waves are likely to affect some coasts.”

The alert is until 9pm.

A statement from Cheshire Fire and Rescue Service said: “High winds have been forecast in a severe weather warning for Cheshire - please take extra care on the roads and read our safety advice.

“Drivers should be extra careful when driving on exposed routes such as bridges or high open roads and are encouraged to find alternative routes where possible.

“We advise drivers to slow down and be aware of side winds and be particularly conscious of the dangers posed by debris that may have blown into the roadway.

“As wind speed increases the pressure it exerts on your car increases too. Wind rarely blows steadily, and sudden gusts can catch-out even the most experienced driver. Expect sudden gusts at any time but particularly on open stretches of road, when passing bridges or gaps in hedges or when overtaking high-sided vehicles.”

On the Met Office website, the following red warning was issued: "During this afternoon a swathe of exceptionally strong winds is expected to affect western parts of Wales and then some north western parts of England this evening, particularly in coastal areas.

"Winds are expected to gust 80mph and possibly reach 100mph in the most exposed locations."

Cheshire East’s highways team are monitoring the weather conditions and additional resources have been placed on standby to ensure we can react to deal with the severe conditions forecast.

Ice and snow expected on the high ground, so we will be out treating the east, high east and southern routes this afternoon and evening. All areas will be monitored throughout the forecast period and any further action will be carried out as and when necessary.

For the latest weather reports visit the Met Office website at: www.metoffice.gov.uk/weather

Traffic updates

M6: The Thelwall Viaduct has been shut following high speed winds reaching upto 80mph.

The route has closed at 4pm and will remain shut until around 9pm and as a result of teh road closure severe congestion is expected.

It means the M6 motorway between junctions 20 and 21 will be off limits to drivers and emergency diversions will be in place. These are via the A556, the M56, M60 and M62 networks and commuters are being urged to plan their journey home and in good time.

A4: Bunbury – Tree blocking road

Newcastle Road. Shavington- wires/cables across the highway and the traffic is backing up

Train delays of up to 30 minutes on Crewe to Manchester/Crewe to Liverpool services

Chester Road, Acton: Four trees down

Cobbs Lane, Hough - tree down

Tree across railway line at Nantwich - The Chester/Crewe line. Expect delays

Sandbach High Street – Masonry falling

ARCLID LIGHTS, NEWCASTLE ROAD, ARCLID, SANDBACH – Tree down

A50 London Rd, Holmes Chapel Tree down

Warmingham Lane, Middlewich Tree down