North Yorkshire battened down the hatches as strong winds lashed the county.

Gusts whistled over the rooftops of the east coast at 55mph and wind speeds of 53mph were recorded at Dishforth, near Boroughbridge - about gale force 6 or 7.

Michael Dukes, senior meteorologist at the PA weathercentre, said: "You would be surprised if you went through October without these sorts of gusts."

The county has experienced wind speeds of more than 100 mph in the past. Speeds of 70-80 mph are when serious damage can start to occur.

Tomorrow is set to see a break in the windy weather, which will return intermittently in the following three to four days.