Storm Boelo is set to bring widespread disruption this weekend, and the Met Office has advised households to prepare torches and batteries in case of power cuts.
Amber wind warnings in place
Areas of England, Scotland and Northern Ireland are under an amber wind warning from 9pm on Saturday until 9pm on Sunday. The Met Office warned of travel disruption and a "danger to life" as the storm moves across the country.
In a statement, the Met Office said: "Flying debris is likely and could lead to injuries or danger to life. There is a good chance that power cuts may occur, with the potential to affect other services, such as mobile phone coverage. Some damage to buildings and trees, such as tiles blown from roofs and large branches or trees blown over, is likely."
Travel and coastal risks
Road, rail, air and ferry services may be affected, with longer journey times and cancellations likely. Some roads and bridges are also likely to close, the Met Office added.
Coastal areas face additional hazards, with the Met Office warning: "Injuries and danger to life are likely from large waves and beach material being thrown onto coastal roads, sea fronts and properties."
Preparation advice and expected winds
In the event of a power cut, the Met Office advises having torches and batteries, a mobile phone power pack and other essential items ready. It also recommends checking the fuse box and neighbours first, turning off sensitive electronics and high-risk appliances, and keeping fridges and freezers closed.
Very strong westerly winds are expected, with widespread gusts of 70mph and up to 80mph in exposed coastal areas. Western Scotland and the north of Northern Ireland will be the worst-affected areas before the wind moves eastwards overnight and into Sunday.
The Met Office explained: "Storm Boelo will approach the northwest of the UK during Saturday, bringing strengthening winds and outbreaks of heavy rain. The early hours of Saturday will be relatively calm, with many places starting dry but chilly beneath largely cloudy skies."
Conditions will deteriorate from the west as rain and strong winds move into Northern Ireland, Scotland, Wales and western England. Rain will spread eastwards through the morning and afternoon, with western coastal areas and higher ground likely to see the most persistent rain. By Saturday afternoon, most parts of the UK will have experienced rain and increasingly strong winds.
