Anish Vij
The Met Office has issued a number of weather warnings across the UK as Storm Eowyn is set to batter Brits this week.
Today (23 January) is the start of heavy rain and strong winds which will hit most of the country.
This has been caused by a jet stream pushing pressure across the Atlantic and towards the UK.
The weather service said the south coast of England, parts of the South West, and the Welsh coast are covered by a yellow weather warning for wind from 7am until 6pm on Thursday.
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Yellow warnings suggest that the weather is likely to 'cause some low level impacts, including some disruption to travel in a few places,' according to the Met Office.
Also, there will be at least one yellow weather warning in place on Friday (24 January), with warnings for snow, wind and rain.
However, the strongest winds are set to hit the north of England, south of Scotland and North Wales, where an amber wind warning is in place from 6am to 9pm on Friday – but the south of the country will also be affected.
The Met Office says an amber warning is in place when 'there is an increased likelihood of impacts from severe weather, which could potentially disrupt your plans'.
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"This means there is the possibility of travel delays, road and rail closures, power cuts and the potential risk to life and property," they added.
So expect gusts of up to 90mph along the more exposed coastal areas, while winds of between 60 to 70mph are expected inland.
The Met Office has advised people to secure loose items outside homes, as there could be a danger to life caused by flying debris.
Mike Silverstone, deputy chief meteorologist at the Met Office, said: “Storm Eowyn is expected to bring very strong winds and widespread disruption on Friday.
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“There are currently a number of weather warnings in place, with all parts of the UK covered by one warning at some point on Friday.
“Storm Eowyn is expected to cross Northern Ireland early on Friday morning. It will then continue north-east across the northern half of Scotland during Friday afternoon and is expected to be centred near Shetland during Friday evening.”
Chris Wood, a roadside technician at the AA, said: “First and foremost drivers should consider if their journey is necessary or consider waiting until the storm has passed.
“If you need to travel, choose main roads if you can, as these are less likely to be exposed to fallen branches and debris.”
When it comes to rail passengers, a LNER spokesperson said: “Services north of York will also be subject to short-notice cancellation and significant delay.
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“Alternative travel options will be limited due to the nature of the weather.”