Storm Ashley: Exactly where 80mph weather bomb due to strike UK today

Gales are due to hit some areas, with the Met Office warning of a ‘danger to life’ while torrential rain is forecast to cause disruption as the government issues hundreds of flood warnings

Brits are bracing as terrifying 80mph gales are set to come crashing across the UK today.

The Met Office issued a rare "danger to life" warning yesterday in relation to Storm Ashley's destructive winds that could lead to large coastal waves and loose beach material that pose a risk to human safety. Meanwhile, torrential rain is expected to cause widespread travel chaos, with the Environment Agency issuing hundreds of flood alerts.

The storm, which was named by Met Eireann as it's expected to hit the Republic of Ireland first, will be most severe across Scotland's west coast, which is where the howling 80mph gusts will be seen. There is also a "good chance" of power cuts in the area. The Met Office has issued an amber alert for the area from 9am today until 12am tomorrow morning.

But there is also a yellow weather warning which started at 3am and covering a larger section of the British Isles. With this alert comes warnings about building damage, power cuts, injuries and danger to life as a result of the crushing winds.

Weather maps show the storm vortex moving across the Atlantic battering the west coast of Ireland and Northern Ireland before the tempest makes in presence felt in Britain. As the centre of the storm moves north and west, high winds will whip the UK with gusts of up to 80mph in Scotland while Wales is forecast to see gusts of up to 65 mph with similar windspeeds in north west England. The winds are set to get stronger throughout the day before dissipating on Monday.

Met Office Deputy Chief Meteorologist Tony Wisson, said: “Storm Ashley will bring strong winds for most of the UK on Sunday before it clears on Monday, with a chance of some disruption across parts of Scotland, Northern Ireland, Northwest England and West Wales.

“A period of especially strong winds are expected on Sunday afternoon and evening in western Scotland, where gusts could potentially reach 70-80mph in exposed areas and an Amber warning for winds has been issued here. More generally 50-60 mph are possible in some inland areas in other parts of the warning area, especially Northern Ireland and western Scotland, and perhaps up to 60-70 mph along exposed coasts and hills. These strong winds in conjunction with high spring tides, may cause some disruption.”

Further south, the Met Office has issued a yellow warning for the south-west of England and South Wales until midday on Sunday with a threat of disruption to travel with flooding and possible interruptions to power supplies.

Mr Stroud said strong, gale force winds are due to continue through to Monday morning meaning “fallen debris and trees” could impact commuters at the start of the week.

Road users in Scotland have been advised to avoid unnecessary travel where possible, while Sunday’s annual Great South Run in Portsmouth, Hampshire, has been cancelled because of weather-related safety concerns.

Police Scotland have advised motorists to “plan ahead and avoid unnecessary travel where possible” ahead of the “strong likelihood” of disruption on roads, while Transport Scotland has warned of likely delays to public transport, including the country’s ferry network.

Chief Superintendent Hilary Sloan, Police Scotland’s head of road policing, said: “Make sure your vehicle has sufficient fuel and is completely roadworthy, with tyre pressure and tread meeting legal requirements.

“Ensure your mobile phone is fully charged in the event you need to call for assistance and if it is likely you may be within your vehicle for long periods of time, take additional clothing and water with you.”

Ferry operator CalMac said many of its services on the west coast of Scotland had been cancelled for the day on Sunday with several others liable to be disrupted.

The Met Office said Sunday will be a “widely windy day” with storm-force wins in the northwest.

Rain will spread eastwards ahead of sunny spells, but with gusty winds moving east during the afternoon.

Meteorologist Ellie Glaisyer said: “Parts of western Scotland could see gusts of 70-80mph during the afternoon. It will turn drier and brighter across much of England and Wales with some sunny spells during the afternoon.”

Winds are expected to ease on Monday with rain moving into the south east. The north is expected to remaining blustery for much of the week.

The Environment Agency’s website listed 41 active flood warnings on Sunday morning, meaning flooding is expected, and 132 flood alerts, meaning flooding is possible.

The warnings include multiple areas of the River Severn, the south Cornwall coast and the Wye Estuary.

Natural Resources Wales said there are three flood warnings and 13 flood alerts in place, while 16 flood warnings have been issued by the Scottish Environment Protection Agency along with 17 alerts.