Met Office urges millions of Brits to gather torches ahead of horror 75mph wind warning

The Met Office has urged millions of Brits to gather torches and other essential items as winds up to 75mph are set to batter parts of the country.

Over the coming days, heavy rain, strong winds and cooler temperatures are forecast across the UK, potentially leading to some disruption. Yellow weather warnings for rain and winds have been issued for Wales and parts of England this weekend as a new low pressure system is moving in from the southwest.

The rain warning, covering Wales as well as northern and western England, is in force from 9am on Saturday until 3am on Sunday. Forecasters said 20-30mm of rain is likely to fall widely, but some locations could potentially experience between 60mm and 80mm of rain.

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The yellow warning for wind, in force from 3pm today until 4am tomorrow, says winds "will initially strengthen across some western and southwestern areas, before migrating northeastwards, clearing into the North Sea during the early hours of Sunday morning." The Met Office said not every area will experience very strong winds but some inland locations may see gusts of 50-60mph.

Meteorologists have warned that in some coastal areas, gusts of 65-75mph are possible. "The strongest winds are more likely around Bristol Channel and the west Wales coast on Saturday afternoon and early evening, then along the North Sea coast of east and northeast England overnight into early Sunday morning," the warning says.

To help Brits prepare for the harsh weather conditions, the Met Office has urged everyone living in the areas covered by the warnings to take steps to protect their property and themselves from injury. The weather service said residents should secure any loose items such as bins, garden furniture, trampolines, tents, sheds, and fences.

If driving, you should check road conditions beforehand and amend travel plans where necessary. In case of power cuts, the Met Office said residents should be prepared in advance, as the warning reads: "Consider gathering torches and batteries, a mobile phone power pack and other essential items."

People living in coastal areas should also be aware of the risk of large waves, which could be dangerous. Sharing further details on this weekend's forecast, Met Office Chief Meteorologist Matthew Lehnert said: "Through this period, 20-30 mm of rain is expected to fall widely across Wales and northern England, with some locations perhaps seeing 60-80 mm. Where these higher rainfall amounts fall remains uncertain and it is possible that this warning may be updated if confidence increases, particularly if the heaviest rain falls in urban areas.

"There is also a chance that a short spell of strong, gusty winds could develop as the area of low pressure moves east. Winds will initially strengthen across some western and southwestern areas, before migrating north-eastwards, clearing into the North Sea during the early hours of Sunday morning.

"Whilst not everywhere in the warning area is expected to experience very strong winds, some inland locations may see gusts of 50-60 mph whilst gusts of 65-75 mph are possible around some coasts.

"The strongest winds are likely to be along the Bristol Channel and the west Wales coast this afternoon and early evening, then along the North Sea coast of east and northeast England overnight into early Sunday morning."

As the low-pressure system pulls away towards Scandinavia on Sunday a cooler air mass will spill in from the north, replacing the recent warmth, the Met Office added. There is also a chance of snow over the very highest mountain peaks by the end of the weekend, forecasters said.

UK five-day weather forecast This Evening and Tonight:

Rain, heavy at first, gradually clearing southeastwards with strong winds and coastal gales possible for a time during the early hours. Blustery showers and clear spells in the north. Patchy rural frost possible in Scotland.

Sunday:

Cloud and light rain moving south across England and Wales. Showers follow from the north, heralding a cooler feel with temperatures falling below average. Marked wind chill in the northeast.

Outlook for Monday to Wednesday:

Turning drier for most areas next week with a good number of sunny spells. Repeated showers possible across southeast England. Feeling fairly cool with patchy overnight fog and frost.