Storm Chandra is set to batter much of the UK this weekend, prompting the Met Office to issue yellow weather warnings as winds of up to 70mph and heavy rain threaten widespread disruption to transport and power supplies.
The warnings cover England, Wales, Northern Ireland and southern Scotland from Saturday into Sunday. Coastal areas in south-west England and western Wales face the fiercest conditions, with gusts reaching 65-70mph, while inland areas can expect winds of 50-60mph - strong enough to damage property and topple high-sided vehicles.
Heavy rainfall will compound the misery, with 20-30mm expected widely across warning areas and up to 50mm possible over higher ground. The combination raises the risk of fallen trees, localised flooding and treacherous driving conditions, prompting the RAC to urge motorists to allow extra time for journeys and expect sudden weather changes.
England's South West, South East and parts of the Midlands are under wind warnings, with additional rain warnings for western areas. Wales faces comprehensive warnings for both wind and rain, with the western coast bearing the brunt. Northern Ireland is bracing for strong winds and significant rainfall, particularly along exposed coastal stretches, while Scotland's Central Belt and southern regions will experience strong winds though escape the most severe conditions.
The Met Office is urging residents to secure garden furniture, check on vulnerable neighbours and avoid unnecessary travel during the storm's peak. Those in flood-prone areas should take precautionary measures to protect their homes, while power companies remain on standby for potential outages and warn the public to stay clear of fallen power lines.