Storm Aileen: Met Office warns of 'flying debris and large coastal waves' as winds of up to 75mph expected to batter uk

Power cuts also expected as amber severe weather warnings issued for parts of the country

Large coastal waves are expected as Storm Aileen hits the UK (PA Wire/PA Images)

Britons are being urged to move pets inside, tie down loose outdoor items, and drive safely as Storm Aileen brings howling gusts and heavy showers to parts of the UK.

Longer journeys by road, rail and air are expected with restrictions on roads and bridges as the first named storm of the year hits Britain on Wednesday morning, the Met Office said.

It added power cuts were expected and that "flying debris and large coastal waves are possible", potentially leading to injuries.

Low pressure will bring "very strong winds" across much of England and Wales with an amber severe weather warning for 55-65mph gales in parts of Cheshire, Lancashire, Derbyshire, Yorkshire, Nottinghamshire and Lincolnshire.

Gusts of up to around 75mph could also be possible in exposed locations such as the coast and hills in these areas, the Met Office added.

A yellow weather warning for rain is also in place for parts of Northern Ireland, northern England and southern Scotland, which warns of 30-40 mm (1.2 to 1.6 inches) of rain falling within six to nine hours.

The People's Dispensary for Sick Animals (PDSA) charity asked pet-owners to bring "rabbits, guinea pigs and other outdoor pets inside" while police forces asked motorists to keep their lights on and not take risks.

Manchester fire service added: "Bad weather will continue throughout the night. Please ensure loose outdoor items are secure and you allow extra travel time in the morning."

Storm Aileen is the first storm to be named since this season's names were released last week, as part of the scheme by the Met Office and Met Eireann to raise awareness of extreme weather in the UK and Ireland.

Met Office chief forecaster Frank Saunders said: "Storm Aileen is expected to bring strong winds of up to 75mph to a central segment of the UK and an amber weather warning has been issued.

"As well as the strong winds, there will be some heavy rain pushing eastwards overnight which could see accumulations of 30-40mm.

"The low-pressure system that is bringing these strong winds will move fairly swiftly from west to east over the UK and although there will still be some disruption through Wednesday morning, the winds will ease by the afternoon leaving a day of blustery showers."

The Met Office said there was no connection between the high winds the UK is expected to see and the severe weather battering the Caribbean and the US, with the UK's weather system originating north in the Atlantic, independent of the current hurricanes across the ocean.

As Storm Aileen clears out eastwards into the North Sea, the UK will be left with cool, showery conditions by the end of the week and into the weekend, the forecasters said.

Rod Dennis, spokesman for motoring organisation the RAC, said:"Aileen's impact is likely to be short but sharp in the north of England, and felt most by those driving in the early hours of Wednesday morning and into the morning rush hour.

"High-sided vehicles will need to take particular care, but anyone driving can expect to experience some very strong gusts and heavy rain which will make driving conditions difficult.

"Plan ahead and if you can delay your journey until conditions are expected to improve later on Wednesday, then do so."