UK weather: 70mph gusts and heavy rain forecast as weather warnings issued

Gusts of up to 70mph and heavy rain will bring potentially dangerous conditions and travel disruption to parts of the UK this morning, forecasters say.

Yellow warnings have been issued for strong winds from 6am to 10am for eastern parts of Northern Ireland, and from 8am until 3pm for southwest Scotland and parts of western Wales.

Gusts of up to 70mph are expected, said the Met Office.

There is also a yellow warning for rain from 6am until 6pm for southwest and northeast Scotland, with the forecaster warning travel disruption, power cuts, and flooding are “likely”.

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The Met Office said: “Friday’s warnings highlight potential travel disruption, dangerous conditions near coasts and the possibility of power cuts for some.”

Met Office deputy chief meteorologist Mike Silverstone said there would be winds of around 70mph on “exposed coasts” and 60mph “more widely” within the warning areas.

“Rain is an additional hazard, with 30-40mm likely in parts of Scotland over a six-hour period, and up to around 70mm possible over higher ground within the warning areas,” he added.

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The Met Office has also issued five yellow weather warnings – three for rain and two for wind – throughout Sunday as the weekend is expected to end in a washout for large parts of the country.