PEOPLE across Somerset are being warned to brace themselves for gale force winds and heavy rain tonight (Wednesday) and tomorrow.

Most of the South West is on amber alert ahead of the expected arrival of Storm Doris.

Forecasters have predicted that wind speeds will rapidly increase to around 50 to 60mph overnight and into the early hours with potentially damaging gusts reaching 65 to 75mph on higher ground around Mid Wales, the Peak District and North Midlands as well as the exposed coastal areas of North Pembrokeshire, North Cornwall and Devon during Thursday morning.

Other Midlands, South Wales and South West areas will see wind gusts of around 60 to 65mph.

It is expected that the winds will abate during Thursday afternoon, bringing sunny spells and a few showers.

Western Power Distribution is already taking precautionary measures by increasing resources in its call centres and control rooms and also in its operational depots.

A WPD spokesman said: "We will ensure that any customers who experience a power cut as a result will be restored as quickly and safely as possible."

PREPARATIONS WPD IS TAKING.

Its systems and staff are prepared so that, whatever the weather, they can work to restore power supplies as quickly and safely as possible if they are disrupted.

In particularthe company has the following in place over the next few days and into the weekend if necessary.

•Additional operational and engineering staff ready and on stand-by to respond to any network issues.

•Additional control and contact centre operatives available to manage the electricity network and to help customers with their enquiries.

•Offices will be open 24/7 if needed.

•Helicopters will be available to fly and identify badly affected areas to hasten repairs.

•It has rescheduled all non-essential work to maximise staff available for storm repairs.

•Flooding teams and emergency response vehicles are on stand-by.

The spokesman added: "We are continually monitoring this forecast and will provide regular progress updates if our customers and network are significantly impacted."