Storm Ellen: Heavy rain and 70mph gusts threaten disruption across west of UK

Autumnal spell brings yet more wet and windy weather

Powerful winds and heavy downpours continue to pummel much of the UK as Storm Ellen descends on western parts of the country to bring yet more autumnal weather on Wednesday.

South Wales and southwest England have the wettest outlook, with 25mm of rainfall widely expected across the area, although this could rise to at least 50mm in hillier parts.

The far southwest of England wakes up to a yellow weather warning from the Met Office as an area of rain becomes particularly heavy across southern parts of Cornwall, Devon and Dorset.

As much as 50mm could fall over high ground within six hours, causing some surface water flooding that is likely to affect bus and train services, while spray and flooding on the roads could mean longer journey times.

A breeze will develop throughout the day to push the showers towards north Wales, the midlands, east Anglia and the southeast by the afternoon.

Elsewhere, the far north of England will enjoy a drier day, with sunny spells making an appearance in Scotland and Northern Ireland.

Temperatures remain moderate, with low 20s possible in southeast England and east Anglia, where Norwich will see a high of 23C.

Things will cool slightly as we move northwards, with 21C expected in York, Kendal and Dumfries, 19C in Glasgow and Belfast and 16C in Aberdeen.

A yellow wind warning comes into force for southwest Scotland, Northern Ireland, west Wales and the far southwest later in the day as gusts as powerful as 70mph sweep exposed coasts and hills across those parts on Wednesday night and Thursday.

The winds may ease slightly during Thursday morning and a band of heavy, blustery showers is likely to move eastwards throughout the day.