Storm with 80mph winds to batter Britain this weekend

The UK is due to be hit by winds of up to 80mph this weekend as the first named storm of the season closes in. The Met Office has issued an amber weather warning ahead of Storm Ashley for the northwest of Scotland tomorrow, as well as a yellow warning for the entirety of Scotland and Northern Ireland, as well as northwest England and parts of Wales.

- SARAH WARD

The amber warning will be in force from 9am tomorrow until midnight, with another yellow warning in place for the far north of Scotland between midnight and 9am on Monday.

Gusts of up to 80mph could arrive north of the border, the agency said, with a "small chance" of danger to life from flying debris and large waves on the coast.

It added that some roads and bridges could close, with the possibility of cancellations affecting trains and flights, as well as potential damage to buildings.

Transport Scotland warned of likely disruptions to public transport, including the country's ferry network.

A statement said: "A windy period is expected across the whole of the UK on Sunday and into Monday, but across parts of Scotland, Northern Ireland, northwest England and northwest Wales there is an increased chance of some disruption.