Power companies, rail companies, councils and the Highways Agency are all preparing to respond to the regions second major storm in just under two months.

Storm St Jude at the end of October was the worst storm to hit the east of England in a decade and similar wind speeds are likely to hit Suffolk and neighbouring counties tonight.

Already reports of winds gusting up to 50mph have been received according to Norwich-based forcasters Weatherquest.

Phil Garner from Weatherquest said: “We’ve had gusts already around 50mph and there are stronger winds to come between 11 tonight and three in the morning.

“There will be some rain tucked in there from when the winds are at their strongest until 5am.”

Mr Garner added when there could be up to an inch-and-a-half of rain and the weather will get worse the closer you get to the coast.

Greater Anglia trains are subject to delays or cancellations at short notice in the event of the winds blocking lines or affecting power supplies.

Services that are running are travelling at reduced speeds as a precaution and passengers are advised to travel as early as possible. Ticket restrictions have been lifted to allow this, with full details on the Greater Anglia website.

Suffolk County Council have published numbers to call to report incidents such as fallen trees here.

UK Power Networks has advised people to stay well clear of any fallen power lines they come across and contact them on 0800 783 8838 or 01243 50 8838 if calling from a mobile phone.