WEATHER warnings in place for the next 24 hours have put council teams on alert as strong winds and heavy rain batter the county.

The Met Office have issued warnings of between 20mm and 40mm of rain and wind with gusts of up to 60mph, with the Environment Agency issuing minor flood warnings affecting the River Thames.

There have already been reports of a fallen tree on Amersham Road in Hazlemere.

Transport for Buckinghamshire (TfB) emergency crews are standing by to clear trees and other debris that might be brought down on to the county's roads by gusts.

Gulley emptiers will be on hand to deal with roadside flooding.

Adult Social Care teams are on alert to deal with emergencies if vulnerable people need moving to safety from their homes.

The Met Office outlook for Christmas Eve, Christmas Day and Boxing Day is for breezy days with sunshine and showers.

When storms last hit in October, the county's clearance operation cost around £100,000.

TfB's Operations Hub, which co-ordinates calls and crews, is on duty to deal with alerts, on 0845 230 2882, and at lunchtime today, calls had already started to come in.

This number operates 24 hours-a-day and will be answered by a TfB emergency officer outside office hours.