Trees down as Storm Aileen passes through the region

Storm Aileen has hit the West Country taking down scores of trees - and power lines - in its wake.

Strong winds gusted 61 mph on the North Coast of Cornwall while they reached 70 mph at Avonmouth on the Bristol Channel. Inland they wreaked havoc, making difficult driving conditions and blocking a number of roads.

In the South Hams, a driver had a lucky escape when their van hit a fallen tree, smashing the windscreen and causing major damage.

It happened on Paignton Road near Stoke Gabriel, which was closed for a number of hours.

A fallen tree causes major damage to a van near Stoke Gabriel. Credit: ITV West Country

In Gloucestershire it took quite an effort to deal with one fallen tree near Dursley. Here's Stroud Police's Tweet:

The High Street in Bampton in Devon was completely blocked due to a fallen tree. It is hard to imagine the road was ever there!

More seriously the wind also took down power cables.

There was no way through this morning on Bampton High Street. Credit: ITV West Country

In Bristol, a tree came down in textbook fashion at the Avonmeads Retail Park. Things don't usually happen that neatly.

This fallen tree was quickly cordoned off at Bristol's Avonmeads Retail Park. Credit: ITV West Country

At the nearby Arnos Manor Hotel, a fallen tree ended up not only blocking the entrance to the hotel but also the pavement and even part of the busy A4.

The pavement was impassable on the A4 in Brislington in Bristol. Credit: ITV West Country
Is the cat in the tree or the car? Credit: ITV West Country