UK weather forecast: Gale-force winds and heavy rain to bring floods and transport delays

Met Office issue amber warning of 'danger to life' in parts of south west Wales

Flooding, heavy rain and winds of up to 60mph are set to hit the UK before making way for sunny spells over the weekend.

The Met Office issued amber and yellow weather warnings for Friday between 1pm and midnight and warned motorists of delays to their evening rush hour journey home.

Flooding is expected in southwest Wales, parts of Tayside in Scotland and Orkney. Fourteen flood alerts have been issued by the Environment Agency, for the southwest of England, Carlisle and Bridington.

The amber warning applies to Pembrokeshire and Camarthenshire, where fast flowing water is likely to cause danger to life.

Up to 40mm of rain is expected to fall in this area within six to nine hours, according to the Met Office.

Yellow warnings cover the south of Wales, Northern Ireland, the south west of England, and parts of Scotland. In these areas some power cuts could occur and delays to road, rail, air and ferry transport are expected.

“Heavy rain and strong to gale force winds will spread eastwards during the afternoon, reaching central parts of England and Scotland by the evening,” said Met Office meteorologist Ellie Creed.

Between 15mm and 25mm of rain is expected to fall in most areas and up to 50mm over higher ground.

Strong winds with gusts of 50mph are possible inland, or even 60mph around some coasts.

The Met Office has also issued a yellow weather warning for parts of south Wales on Saturday.

Conditions are expected to improve over the weekend although there could be hail and thunder accompanying blustery showers, particularly in the south and west.

Milder and dryer conditions with “some good spells of sunshine” are forecast for most of the UK from Tuesday, according to the Met Office.

“The southeast is most likely to remain dry, with temperatures generally mild, perhaps very mild by Wednesday,” said a spokesperson.

“Through the end of the week mild, dry weather looks set to extend across many areas with rain confined to the northwest.”

Looking further ahead, the Met Office say that snow is possible in early December, particularly over the northern hills.