Major roads have been affected by the weather

Strong winds and rain left about 3,000 homes without power in Lincolnshire with half of those affected in Tattershall near Coningsby.

Power was cut to more than 300 homes and businesses in Nottingham between Market Square and the Lace Market.

By Saturday evening just over 6,000 properties were still cut off, the bulk of the others in Derbyshire.

Dangerous conditions

The gale force winds only caused minor problems in Leicestershire and Rutland but around 1,500 people in the Newbold Verdon may have to wait a while for power to return to their homes.

Several main roads including the M1 and A453 were partially closed by accidents but winds were expected to ease.

Fallen trees and other debris are blocking dozens of roads around the region.

Inspector Nigel Denim from Lincolnshire police said motorists must take extra care.

"We are asking drivers to be aware that round the next corner there could be an obstruction across the road.

"We have had numerous reports of telephone poles being snapped and wires across the roads," he said.