UK
UK weather: Strong winds and heavy rain to batter the country as Met Office warnings issued
The UK is braced for more winds and rain this weekend, with gusts of up to 70mph expected to hit the country.
Weather warnings have been issued across the UK for the next few days, with downpours and strong gusts expected all weekend.
Areas along the Irish Sea coast should prepare for the potential of 70mph winds, while the Midlands, northern England and Northern Ireland can expect wind speeds of up to 55mph, the Met Office said.
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On Saturday morning, winds will strengthen in the west and move through to other areas, before easing slowly in the evening
There are yellow weather warnings for rain in Devon and Dorset, as well as the south of Scotland and Northern Ireland, where the ground is already saturated.
Up to 80mm of rain could fall across some parts of the UK, the Met Office added.
Meanwhile, up to 50mm of snow is forecast for southern Scotland, with up to 80mm expected to fall on higher ground from Friday night.
Weather warnings for Saturday
Read more: In pictures: Snow blankets parts of the UK
Met Office spokesman Stephen Dixon said: “We’re in for a wet and windy weekend.
“From 6pm tonight a band of heavy wind and rain will move through Scotland. There’s a possibility of flooding because of the already saturated ground.
“Another band will move tomorrow morning from the south-west of the UK towards the north-east, bringing with it heavy rain for much of the country.
“By the afternoon most of the heavy wind and rain will have passed and it will just be showers for southern areas.
“We will also be seeing some quite strong winds in Wales, the Midlands, northern England and Northern Ireland, particularly coastal communities around the Irish Sea.”
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The Met Office also said the weather could mean disruption to transport networks, particularly coastal routes that could be affected by spray and waves.
Mr Dixon continued: “There is another area of low pressure coming on Sunday with the possibility of further warnings being issued.”