Torrential wind and rain lashed the region

In South Yorkshire, a lorry was blown over on the A1M blocking the road between the M18 junction and Blythe.

Police said trees and road signs had been uprooted throughout Humberside and North Yorkshire. Flying debris added to the problems on the roads.

The Humber Bridge has been closed to high-sided vehicles

Dangerous structure

In North Yorkshire, a motorcyclist was blown off his machine at Fulford close to the junction of the A64 and A19. The road was blocked and traffic delays built up through the morning.

The M1 link with the A1 in east Leeds was blocked after a two-car smash in bad weather at lunchtime and emergency services have reported five people injured at the scene.

West Yorkshire Fire and Rescue Service said they had been called out to survey a number of dangerous structures.

And a fire officer was investigating reports of glass panes being blown loose at the Albion Shopping Plaza on Albion Street, in the centre of Leeds.

Chaotic scene

South Yorkshire Police there had been quite a few weather-related incidents across the county.

A spokesman said: "As well as a scattering of lorries that have blown over, we've had trees blown over, it's chaotic.

"The gales hit us about midday and it's just gone mad with lorries, trees and debris scattered all over.

West Yorkshire Fire and Rescue Service said they had been called out to survey a number of dangerous structures.