Hurricane-force winds are affecting portions of the UK, prompting the issuance of a “danger to life” warning.
The Met Office has issued a warning, stating that while gales ranging from 50 to 70 mph are predicted inland, winds of up to 80 mph are possible in coastal locations.
The Met Office describes a hurricane-force gale as an area of low pressure over tropical or sub-tropical waters with persistent winds near the surface of at least 74 mph.
Hurricane-force gales are expected to pound the UK during the weekend.
With extremely strong winds predicted for sections of southern Scotland, Northern Ireland, northern England, Wales, and southwestern England, the weather office has issued a new orange wind warning.
The warning begins at 6.00pm on Sunday and is in place until 9.00am on Monday.
The Met Office said: “Very strong southwesterly winds will develop widely across Northern Ireland, western parts of England, Wales and the southern half of Scotland during Sunday evening. Gusts will frequently reach 50-60 mph, perhaps 70 mph at times in a few locations and, along exposed coastal stretches 80 mph is possible at times.
“During the early hours of Monday winds will turn westerly and affect a wider area of southern Scotland and northern England, before easing through the morning.”
Power cuts could occur due to the strong gusts, and Britons facing the worst of the frosty conditions should brace themselves for patchy mobile phone coverage.
The Met Officer said that disruption to travel services is to be expected. They said: “Longer journey times and cancellations likely, as road, rail, air and ferry services may be affected”, adding that “some roads and bridges likely to close”.
It comes as Storm Isha, the second storm of the year, was named by the Met Office today.