STRONG winds have torn across Wiltshire today, as Storm Brian hit Britain’s shores.

Leaves were left swirling into the air and hair blown in wind-bitten faces.

At an anti-hunt protest outside the National Trust’s annual general meeting earlier today, protesters joked that cold temperatures had made a retreat to a nearby coffee shop inviting.

However, unlike Storm Doris earlier this year, there appears to have been little damage to property.

Dorset and Wiltshire Fire and Rescue Service said that their Swindon crews had not been to attend any calls related to the high winds.

Gusts of up to 44mph are expected to continue into Saturday afternoon, before dying down to a more sedate 20mph later this evening.

Highways England have encouraged motorists to take extra care on motorways and major A roads today and into tomorrow morning.

Drivers of lorries, caravans and motorbikes should take particular care on exposed sections of road, Highways England said.

They warned that the M5, between junctions 21 and 22 near Weston-super-Mare, would be affected by strong side winds in excess of 50mph until 6am tomorrow morning.

The M48 Severn Crossing bridge was closed at 8am this morning over wind fears. The closure is expected to remain in place until later this afternoon. A diversion takes motorists over the M4 crossing.

Tia Howarth, Highways England operations manager, said: “We’re encouraging drivers to check the latest weather and travel conditions before setting off on journeys, with strong winds expected throughout today and tomorrow morning.”

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