Storm Gareth: Met Office warns of ‘danger to life’ as Britain braces for floods and 80mph winds

Widespread gales could pose danger to life, warn forecasters

The Met Office has issued three yellow weather warnings as a powerful storm bears down on the UK.

Gusts of up to 80mph are set to lash Northern Ireland on Tuesday night before Storm Gareth moves eastwards to southwest Scotland and much of England and Wales.

Forecasters warned there was “a small chance” flying debris could cause injuries and a pose a danger to life, while people in coastal areas could be at risk from large waves.

The Environment Agency has issued flood warnings for seven coastal and riverside areas of Cumbria, Yorkshire and Devon, as well as alerts - meaning flooding is possible - in 34 other locations.

Strong winds could also inflict damage on buildings, trigger power cuts, cause bridge closures, and force the cancellation of rail, air and ferry journeys, the Met Office added.

Meteorologist Alex Deakin said: “Through Tuesday evening we’re particularly concerned about parts of Northern Ireland and southwest Scotland.

“Gusts of wind here are likely to reach to 50 to 60mph inland; on the coast, gusts of 70, 75, possibly even 80mph.

“During the course of Wednesday, those strong winds will transfer to parts of England and Wales – initially around the west, but then becoming more widespread through the day.”

Storm Gareth, caused by a deep area of low pressure, was named on Monday by Irish forecaster Met Eireann.

Yellow weather warnings for wind are scheduled remain in place until noon on Wednesday for Northern Ireland and Scotland, and until 3pm for England and Wales.

A yellow warning for rain in northwest England has been issued until 10am on Friday, with between 50mm and 60mm rainfall forecast for higher ground in Cumbria.

Temperatures will be near average for the time of year but it will often feel colder due to the strong winds, the Met Office said.