Fierce winds of up to 75mph are set to batter the UK over the next 19 hours, prompting the Met Office to extend its severe weather warning across most of England, Wales and Northern Ireland.
The yellow warning highlights the risk of widespread travel chaos, with delays expected on roads, railways and at airports. Power cuts are likely, whilst fallen trees and flying debris threaten to damage buildings and infrastructure. Coastal communities face additional dangers from large waves and spray.
The warning covers the South West, South East, East of England, West Midlands, East Midlands and parts of the North West, alongside most of Wales and all of Northern Ireland. Southern Scotland may also experience blustery conditions as the weather system moves across Britain.
Despite relatively mild temperatures of 8 to 12 degrees Celsius, the fierce winds will make conditions feel significantly colder. Forecasters warn that exposed coastal areas and higher ground will bear the brunt of the strongest gusts, though inland regions will still face considerable wind speeds.
The Met Office urges residents to secure loose garden furniture and bins, and avoid walking near coastal paths or cliffs during peak winds. The extended 19-hour warning period increases the risk of cumulative damage as infrastructure faces sustained battering. Emergency services and local authorities remain on standby to respond to incidents caused by the dangerous conditions.