Storm Eleanor: Gale-force winds to hit UK as yellow weather warnings issued by Met Office

Winds of up to 80mph expected to hit parts of the country

Britain is about to be hit by gale-force winds with forecasters predicting potential disruption across the country.

The Met Office has issued a yellow warning for parts of the UK for 2 January and 3 January.

Wind of 60 to 70 mph are likely in parts of southern Scotland and Northern England whilst some western coastal areas have a chance of seeing gusts of 80mph.

“Combined with a period of high tides, it is likely that some western coastal communities will be affected by large waves and spray, and there is a small chance that injuries and danger to life could occur from large waves and beach material being thrown on to sea fronts, roads and coastal properties,” the Met Office said.

“Power cuts and disruption to other services (mobile phones for example) may occur, and there is a small chance of transport disruption or cancellation of public transport.

“There is a small chance of injuries and danger to life, as well as minor property damage, from flying debris. There is a small chance of transport delays, route and bridge closures, and cancellations to public.”

The Met Office has not ruled out classifying the weather as a storm and if they do so, it will be named Storm Eleanor.

The news comes only days after Storm Dylan brought a wet and windy end to the year with gusts of up to 80mph in some parts of the UK.

Heavy snow, rain, thunderstorms and wind hit much of Britain at the end of 2017 as yellow warnings were issued for Northern Ireland and Scotland.