AMBULANCE crews across the region have responded to a series of calls from people injured by Storm Doris.

Rain and strong winds with gusts of more than 40mph were forecast to hit Barrow and the North West throughout the day causing the Met Office to issue weather warnings for the area.

This morning, paramedics and staff from the North West Ambulance Service attended ten incidents where people have been hurt.

The service is now urging people to stay inside wherever possible until the storm subsides.

The Met Office this morning issued a series of images which show where they expect the worst of the weather to have an impact.

Up to 10cm of snow is expected for parts of Cumbria, between 10am and 6pm today, with up to 5cm expected in lower ground across the south of the county.

Winds of up to 80mph were forecast, but they have been downgraded to close to 50mph.

Weather warnings are in place, with severe disruption forecast for transport links.

While the strongest winds look to be only short-lived, damage to structures, interruptions to power supplies and widespread disruption to travel networks are likely, with a danger of injury from flying debris.

Drivers are being urged to be prepared before setting out on journeys.

There is a particularly high risk to high-sided vehicles, caravans and motorbikes on exposed sections of the network.

Drivers of these vehicles are being strongly advised to avoid travelling on around 40 stretches of motorway and major A road while the alert is in place including the M6 between junctions 36 and 40, the A66 and the A69.

Richard Leonard, Highways England’s Head of Road Safety, said: “We’re expecting Storm Doris to have a significant impact on the roads throughout the day so are urging drivers to consider changing their plans if necessary and to slow down in stormy weather.

“Drivers should look out for warnings on the electronic message signs and listen for updates in radio travel bulletins.

"Our traffic officers will also be ready to respond to any incidents during Storm Doris, and we’re urging drivers to respond to the changing conditions on the road to stay safe."

There will be a brief respite on Friday, but, a second front is sweeping in from the west on Saturday.

More heavy rain and strong winds are expected, with transport links set to be disrupted, and potential risk of localised flooding.