A MAN broke both his legs after crashing his car into a tree in Crompton Way.

Traffic came to a standstill while emergency services rescued the driver after the crash, which happened at about 5.30am this morning.

The accident happened near the junction with Blackburn Road as Bolton was battered by heavy rain and wind.

The man, believed to be in his twenties, was cut out of his Red Ford Escort by fire crews before being taken to the trauma centre at Salford Royal Hospital.

It took police until 10am to clear up the crash, which destroyed the car.

The driver’s injuries are not thought to be life-threatening.

A police spokesman said: "The driver was taken to hospital with breakage to his legs.

"His injuries are not believed to be life-threatening."

Commuters took to Twitter to share their concern for the driver.

Ste Whitehead wrote: “Not looking good with whatever has happened on #A58 Crompton Way, Astley Bridge. Road closed. Hope everyone involved is ok.”

One Twitter user, called ‘Dicko’ ‏added: “Looks like a nasty car accident on A58 crompton way, outside Lidl. Road closed. #bolton #traffic”

The tail end of ex-hurricane Bertha slammed into the UK on Sunday, bringing with it heavy rains and strong winds as a severe weather warning was placed over all of the UK.

The main brunt of the storm arrived at 3am yesterday morning, but it is expected to continue today with a "heightened flood risk", the Environment Agency said.

Volunteers from the Red Cross were mobilised and placed on standby last night, after Friday evening’s weather saw much of the east of England struck by flash flooding, forcing the evacuation of some residents.