UPDATE: A fallen tree at the top of Ledbury Road caused traffic problems at lunchtime on Thursday, February 23rd. It had been reported to Herefordshire Council who said they will attend as soon as they can. Local residents managed to clear the road and move the tree into Overross Farm Road.Storm Doris has been affecting many properties in the Ross-on-Wye area causing power cuts in several different locations across the whole HR9 area.

A spokesperson for Western Power told the Ross Gazette that there has been a very large amount of faults in Herefordshire but they are being dealt with as quickly as possible.

West Mercia Police are also aware of a fallen tree suspended on power cables at Kerne Bridge, near to Bishopswood Village Hall.

The police have also requested that anyone calling the police use the 101 number rather than 999 if it is not an emergency.

Storm Doris is expected to cause problems for householders and motorists until about 6pm this evening, Thursday, February 23rd.

Gusts of up to 70 miles per hour are expected on some roads, along with heavy rain and surface water. There is a particularly high risk to high-sided vehicles, caravans and motorbikes on exposed sections of the network.

Travel services could be affected including some restrictions on bridges and disruption to ferries. Some damage to trees and buildings is also possible.

Richard Leonard, Highways England’s Head of Road Safety, said: “We’re expecting Storm Doris to have a significant impact on the roads throughout the day so are urging drivers to consider changing their plans if necessary and to slow down in stormy weather.

Earlier this winter, Highways England launched a new safety campaign warning drivers that ‘when it rains, it kills’ after the latest statistics showed that people are 30 times more likely to be killed or seriously injured on the roads in rain than in snow.

The figures also reveal that travelling too fast for the current conditions was identified as a factor in 1 in 9 road deaths in Great Britain last year, with drivers failing to alter how they drive in response to changing conditions on the road.