Strong winds caused disruption around Cumbria this morning as the county gears up for a period of unsettled weather, including thundersnow.

In Whitehaven 771 homes were left without power at about 5.50am after winds caused a fault on an overhead line.

By 1.30pm, 107 had been restored but 664 customers were still without power.

Electricity North West said that power was restored to all homes by 2.30pm.

In Workington, 100 customers were affected after a tree was blown onto the line. A spokesman said that power was restored to all properties at 3.01pm.

Moresby Primary School is among those without power and was forced to close today.

It is due to reopen tomorrow unless a further update is made.

Firefighters in the town were called out at 10.20am to the coast road where gates and fencing from an industrial site which had been blown partly off and were hanging over the road.

They broke the structure apart and removed it.

There was weather warning for strong wind in force until 11am today.

Gusts of up to 60mph were expected to hit Carlisle, with up to 75mph predicted on high ground.

The A66 was closed this morning to high sided vehicles due to strong winds between the Kemplay Bank roundabout at Penrith and Scotch Corner.

Highways England said: "Motorists are advised to take extra care when driving today as strong winds are currently being experienced in the north of England."

Snow is due to hit parts of Cumbria tomorrow, the Met Office is warning.

Cold air originating over Arctic Canada is bringing snow showers and strong winds.

About 2cm to 5cm of snow could accumulate anywhere within the warning area, with 10cm to 20cm possible on higher ground.

Lightning may accompany the heaviest showers, with potential disruption to power supplies as a consequence.

A snow warning covers all but the eastern edge of Cumbria and lasts for nearly 12 hours tomorrow from 12.05am.

Paul Gundersen, chief meteorologist, said: “Most northern areas are very likely to see snow showers at times over the next few days."

Today the forecaster updated a second warning for Friday which no longer covers the county.

The forecast comes with a public health warning for people to wrap up warm and prepare for the cooler spell of weather.

Prof Paul Cosford, director for Health Protection and medical director at Public Health England, said: "The Met Office is forecasting a spell of colder weather from this afternoon, with likely snow and icy conditions. Think now about what you need to do to prepare: if you need vital medicine or food get it before the bad weather arrives.

"People with underlying health conditions, very young children and those aged over 65 are at greatest risk, so think what you can do to help others."

He advised people to keep their homes heated to at least 18C and to wear lots of thin layers rather than few thick ones to keep warm.