Staffordshire roads closed by strong winds and falling trees
Trees, telegraph poles, power cables and chimneys have been blown down by wind, Staffordshire Police have said.
The force has responded to more than 70 incidents, including a tree which had fallen on a car in Tean and power cables hanging down in Stoke-on-Trent.
They have also attended at least five blocked roads, and are urging motorists to stick to main routes.
There are no reports of any injuries, and they say they are trying to get blockages cleared as soon as possible.
A collapsed chimney on the outskirts of Newcastle-under-Lyme closed one of the busiest roads in the area.
The A53 Etruria Road is expected to remain closed between Victoria Street and Basford Park Road until Friday lunchtime, according to Stoke-on-Trent City Council. Diversions are in place.
Dangerous buildings surveyor Ben Gascoigne said a gust of wind had brought several chimney pots down at a terrace house, causing them to fall through the roof and on to the road.
Mr Gascoigne said the wind also prevented experts from assessing the damage and clearing the rest of the chimney.