Storm Darragh: UK to be battered by rain, winds as amber warnings issued

A waves crashing over a sea defence promenade during a storm

Late on Friday, a developing area of low pressure will start to bring heavy rain and strengthening winds across western parts of the UK.

As this develops further into Saturday, this becomes Storm Darragh with its centre crossing northern England.

An amber severe weather warning has been issued by the Met Office for strong winds in Northern Ireland, south-west Scotland and western areas of England and Wales from 03:00 GMT to 21:00 GMT on Saturday.

Gusts will be around 70-80mph (113-129km/h), especially around coastal areas. Further inland, gusts will be 60-70mph (96-113km/h).

These wind gusts have the potential to damage buildings and will bring travel disruption, especially to ferry services in the Irish Sea.

There is also a larger yellow Met Office warning across all parts of England and Wales for wind valid from 15:00 GMT on Friday through to 06:00 on Sunday when Darragh will have cleared into the North Sea.

Gusts will widely be around 40-50mph (64-80km/h) across England and Wales which could lead to some transport disruption on Saturday.