Power lines downed by high winds in Wiltshire

More than 1,000 homes in Wiltshire were without electricity after high winds downed power cables overnight.

The majority of people living in Devizes, Calne, and Potterne have now been reconnected, Southern Electric said.

High winds and heavy rain affected the county for much of the day, with travel disruption caused by many trees falling across roads.

The Environment Agency has issued a flood warning for Dauntsey Brook.

'Numerous trees fallen'

"River levels on the Dauntsey Brook at Dauntsey are rising with some areas expected to get 40mm of rain on Sunday," a spokesman said.

"Particular locations at risk are Old Sodom Lane, The Green, Church Lane and Olivemead Lane where people should take immediate action to protect themselves."

Flood alerts are also in force for the mid River Avon and tributaries including Melksham and Bradford-on-Avon, the River Cole and Dorcan Brook in Swindon.

Witshire Police has advised motorists to take extra care after "numerous trees" fell across roads.

The Met Office has issued a <link> <caption>yellow alert for heavy rain and strong winds</caption> <altText>Link to Met Office website</altText> <url href="http://www.metoffice.gov.uk/public/weather/warnings/" platform="highweb"/> </link> for Wiltshire.

BBC weather forecaster Ian Fergusson said exposed parts of the county had seen gusts approaching 50mph.

"This has led to trees falling down and some structural damage to buildings," he said.

"The wind is really exceptional for this time of year and so is the north northeasterly wind direction.

"In this part of the world the prevailing wind is southwesterly so trees tend to brace themselves for that.

"When it comes from the opposite direction and the trees are coming into full leaf this can add considerable stress to branches and trunks," Mr Fergusson added.