Yellow and amber weather warnings for wind and rain have come into place as parts of the UK are set to be hit by Storm Ashley today (October 20).

Heavy rain and 80mph winds are predicted in areas, with the first named storm of the season “likely” to bring a threat of injuries and danger to life, the Met Office has said.

A yellow warning for wind came into place for the entirety of Scotland and Northern Ireland and parts of north-west England and Wales at 3am and runs until midnight on Sunday.

An amber warning for the north-west of Scotland has been issued from 9am until midnight, with the weather service warning “injuries and danger to life is likely from large waves and beach material being thrown on to coastal roads, sea fronts and properties”.


What different Met Office weather warnings mean


Met Office meteorologist Dan Stroud explained “very strong, severe gales” on Sunday coincide with high spring tides, which could also result in “very large waves”.

The north of Scotland will remain under a yellow warning for wind from midnight until 9am on Monday (October 21).

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 affect commuters at the start of the week.

All UK Met Office weather warnings for Storm Ashley mapped

Is your area covered by today's yellow and amber weather warnings, issued by the Met Office?Is your area covered by today's yellow and amber weather warnings, issued by the Met Office? (Image: Met Office) Additionally, the Met Office said Sunday will be a “widely windy day” with storm-force wins in the north-west.

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

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Meteorologist Ellie Glaisyer commented: “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 remain blustery for much of the week.

You can keep up to date with the weather forecast where you are on the Met Office website.