HEREFORDSHIRE is set for a wet and windy start to the new year, with a weather warning in place for Wednesday and heavy rain due to arrive on Thursday lunchtime.

The Met Office has issued a yellow warning for wind, which means there is a small chance of injuries and danger to life, as well as minor property damage, from flying debris.

There is a small chance of transport delays, route and bridge closures, and cancellations to public transport.

The Met Office says strengthening wind are expected to affect England and Wales, arriving in the west initially before pushing eastwards during the early hours of Wednesday.

Particularly strong and gusty winds could be associated with heavy, blustery showers on Wednesday.

Gusts of 50 to 60 mph are likely quite widely within the county, while gusts of 70 to 80 mph may affect exposed coastal areas in the west and south.

The Environment Agency has a flood alert in place for the river Lugg south of Leominster.