The Met Office has raised its weather warning to amber as storms sweep across the UK. The organisation warns of 'heavy rain' and 'strong winds' which could lead to 'power cuts' and 'disruptions to travel'. An amber alert is typically issued when the impact of severe weather could be significant.
According to Met Office data, the worst affected regions will be England's south coast, Wales, and Scotland. Northern Ireland can also expect strong winds with gusts up to 80mph expected in some areas. The storms are forecasted to continue until at least midnight on Thursday.
The Met Office advises residents in amber-affected areas to 'be prepared for power cuts' and to 'check the weather forecast before making plans'. For those in affected regions, it is recommended to keep a battery-powered radio handy, stock up on emergency supplies, and charge mobile phones. The organisation also warns of potential travel disruptions.
The Met Office issued its first amber warning at 10am on Thursday morning for parts of England, Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland. As the storm intensifies, residents in these regions are urged to 'take necessary precautions' to stay safe.