Millions face travel chaos and power cuts as the Met Office issues a 19-hour yellow weather warning for severe gales and torrential rain battering swathes of the UK from 3pm today until 10am tomorrow.
Winds of up to 70mph will hammer exposed coastlines and hilltops across Northern Ireland, Scotland and northern England, with even inland areas braced for 55mph gusts. Heavy downpours will compound the misery, threatening localised flooding.
The warning covers all six counties in Northern Ireland, seven Scottish regions including the Highlands and Central belt, plus Cumbria and parts of Northumberland. Coastal communities face particular danger from towering waves and spray that could cause minor flooding.
Transport networks are expected to buckle under the assault, with road, rail, air and ferry services all at risk of severe disruption. Power companies are preparing for outages whilst temporary structures face potential damage from the ferocious winds.
Weather chiefs are urging householders to batten down for the storm by securing garden furniture and outdoor items before they become dangerous projectiles. Despite mild temperatures of 8-12°C, the brutal combination of wind and rain will make conditions feel far colder.
Residents across the affected areas are advised to monitor local forecasts closely and take precautions to protect themselves and their property as the storm sweeps in.