The UK is bracing itself for a battering of strong winds and heavy rainfall as the Met Office issues a yellow warning across large areas of the country. Gusts of up to 55mph are expected to cause widespread disruption, with exposed coastal areas and higher ground bearing the brunt of the conditions.
Residents in Wales, Northern Ireland, and parts of England and Scotland have been warned to factor in extra travel time and check their journey status before setting off, as road, rail, air, and ferry services may be severely impacted. In England, the North West, South West, and Midlands are expected to experience the worst conditions.
Northern Ireland and Wales are under the yellow warning, with residents advised to secure loose outdoor items such as garden furniture and trampolines to prevent them from being blown away. Scotland's southern reaches and western coastlines will also see strong winds, which could lead to localised flooding in areas already saturated by recent downpours.
Drivers are reminded to be vigilant for standing water and debris on roads, while coastal communities should be aware of the potential for large waves and spray. Further updates from meteorologists are expected throughout the day, with unsettled weather patterns likely to persist into the weekend.
The Met Office warning is in place for a 24-hour period, but conditions may not improve significantly until then, suggesting that residents and commuters should be prepared for continued disruption.