Weather similar to yesterday's reported "mini-tornado" in Wolstanton - which badly damaged cars and buildings - could be repeated again today.
Speaking on BBC Radio Stoke, Meteorologist Paul Michaelwaite said: "The strength of the sun is warming up the ground and cold air above, it's a perfect breeding ground to create these things."
BBCCopyright: BBC
Mr Michaelwaite, from Net Weather, also said the damage could have been caused by strong winds: You can get very, very strong localised gusts called 'straight line gusts'. It may be just more likely to be that."
Police investigate more than 30 cases of revenge porn in Staffordshire
The dispute is over a new contract that the government announced in February would be imposed from the summer. This followed the breakdown of talks between the two sides in January.
AFPCopyright: AFP
Health Secretary Jeremy Hunt described the walkout as a "very, very bleak day", but said the government would not back down, saying no union had the right to stop a government trying to act on a manifesto promise - to introduce a truly seven-day NHS.
The British Medical Association has argued it is unfair and the NHS needs extra investment to pay for seven-day services.
Junior doctors walk out for second day
Junior doctors in Staffordshire and Cheshire are beginning their second walk-out in as many days today, without providing emergency cover.
Like yesterday, medics walked out of both emergency and routine care at 08:00 and will not return until 17:00.
APCopyright: AP
Yesterday, local hospitals say they coped well and are hoping less urgent patients will once again stay away.
Crewe set up return of experienced striker Ryan Lowe
Another chilly start, followed by a day of sunny spells and widespread showers, these turning heavy and wintry in places, with the risk of hail and thunder too.
Highs of 8C (46F).
BBCCopyright: BBC
Good morning - welcome to our live updates for the day
We're here with all your news, sport, travel and weather this morning.
Do get in touch if you have a story or pictures that you'd like to share with the rest of Stoke and Staffordshire.
Live Reporting
Jack Dowling
All times stated are UK
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'Mini tornado' could be repeated today
Weather similar to yesterday's reported "mini-tornado" in Wolstanton - which badly damaged cars and buildings - could be repeated again today.
Speaking on BBC Radio Stoke, Meteorologist Paul Michaelwaite said: "The strength of the sun is warming up the ground and cold air above, it's a perfect breeding ground to create these things."
Mr Michaelwaite, from Net Weather, also said the damage could have been caused by strong winds: You can get very, very strong localised gusts called 'straight line gusts'. It may be just more likely to be that."
Police investigate more than 30 cases of revenge porn in Staffordshire
Staffordshire Police have investigated 33 cases of so called revenge pornography over the past year, figures revealed to the BBC have shown.
No action was taken by the force in 70% of the cases - only 3% resulted in charges being brought.
Victims ranged in age from 15 to 62.
The BBC analysed Freedom of Information requests from 31 forces in England and Wales between April and December.
Homes and cars damaged in 'mini tornado'
Cars and homes were badly damaged in Wolstanton after what local residents described as a "mini-tornado".
Roof tiles were blown off a local school and structures were blown over.
A Met Office spokesperson said it was "likely" there were tornadoes in the area yesterday, but it was impossible to be sure without photos.
He said the damage could equally have been caused by strong winds.
Watch: Weather forecast for the West Midlands
Charlie Slater
BBC Weather presenter
More showers are expected through the day - many of them could be wintry.
Highs of 8C (46F).
Video content
Obesity levels rise in Stoke-on-Trent
More than 60,000 people living in Stoke-on-Trent are classed as obese - nearly a third of the adult population.
The figure has gone up by 6,000 since 2011.
Seven years ago the city council launched the Lifestyle Programme to help people lose weight.
Despite spending about £7m, only a quarter of the 17,500 clients have succeeded.
Travel: Lane closed on M6 northbound
BBC Travel
There's slow traffic northbound on the M6 between J15 for the A34 (Stafford North) and J15 for the A500 (Stoke-on-Trent).
One lane is closed due to a broken down vehicle.
Headlines: Reports of mini tornado; junior doctors strike; 60,000 obese in Stoke
Our top stories this morning:
- People in Newcastle report mini tornado
- Junior doctors begin second day of strike
- More than 60,000 people in Stoke-on-Trent classed as obese
Four arrested as police find 150 cannabis plants
The Sentinel
Police uncovered a cannabis factory - after being called to reports of youths clambering on the building's roof and banging on the door.
Dispute follows break down of talks
This week's strikes are the first time doctors have stopped providing emergency care in the history of the NHS.
The dispute is over a new contract that the government announced in February would be imposed from the summer. This followed the breakdown of talks between the two sides in January.
Health Secretary Jeremy Hunt described the walkout as a "very, very bleak day", but said the government would not back down, saying no union had the right to stop a government trying to act on a manifesto promise - to introduce a truly seven-day NHS.
The British Medical Association has argued it is unfair and the NHS needs extra investment to pay for seven-day services.
Junior doctors walk out for second day
Junior doctors in Staffordshire and Cheshire are beginning their second walk-out in as many days today, without providing emergency cover.
Like yesterday, medics walked out of both emergency and routine care at 08:00 and will not return until 17:00.
Yesterday, local hospitals say they coped well and are hoping less urgent patients will once again stay away.
Crewe set up return of experienced striker Ryan Lowe
Crewe Alexandra could be close to bringing back striker Ryan Lowe back to Gresty Road when his current contract expires at League One rivals Bury this summer.
The 37-year-old Liverpudlian, who first joined Crewe a decade ago, returned to the Alex on loan in November.
Latest: Mini tornado reports; junior doctors strike; obesity figures rise
Lee Blakeman
Port Vale commentator, BBC Radio Stoke
Here are some of the main stories we are looking at in Staffordshire and Cheshire:
- People living in Newcastle have described seeing a mini tornado in the area during last night's strong winds
- Junior doctors in Staffordshire and Cheshire are beginning their second strike
- More than 60,000 people living in Stoke-on-Trent are classed as obese, nearly a third of the adult population
Travel: Slow on M6
BBC Travel
Traffic's slow on the M6 southbound through Staffordshire between J11 for the A460 (Cannock) and J7 for the A34 (Great Barr).
It's partly due to an earlier breakdown. More on BBC Travel.
Weather: A chilly start
Another chilly start, followed by a day of sunny spells and widespread showers, these turning heavy and wintry in places, with the risk of hail and thunder too.
Highs of 8C (46F).
Good morning - welcome to our live updates for the day
We're here with all your news, sport, travel and weather this morning.
Do get in touch if you have a story or pictures that you'd like to share with the rest of Stoke and Staffordshire.
You can email, tweet or get in touch via the Facebook page.