THE A49 between Stretton and Bartington will remain closed until the early evening, police have confirmed.

The road was one of several that was closed yesterday in the wake of Storm Doris.

Yesterday, Cheshire Police said it received an ‘unprecedented’ number of calls.

Numerous road closures were in place, including the M6 Thelwall Viaduct, the A54 at Delamere, A49 at Higher Whitley, A559 at Great Budworth and many smaller roads.

The A533 Jubilee Bridge in Runcorn was also closed to high sided vehicles.

The A49 will remain closed until the ‘early evening’. Diversions are in place.

A tweet from Cheshire Police around 1.20pm today said: “The #A49 Closure, the road is likely to remain closed between Stretton and Bartington until the early evening today. #HereForYou.”

Yesterday, motorists were urged to avoid the roads unless necessary.

Chief Insp Sarah Edgar said: “While all efforts are being made to clear the roads as soon as possible, a large number of trees have come down as a result of the storm and there is still a significant amount debris on the roads.

“It is anticipated that further trees will fall due to being weakened during the storm.”

She said local councils have been made aware of damaged trees and buildings.

She said: "Adverse weather conditions do not of course just affect motorists.

"Members of public are urged to be aware of their own safety and pay attention to warnings and advice being issued."