UK weather forecast: Storm Atiyah set to batter Britain with gale force winds as severe weather warning issued

Britain is bracing for gale force winds of up to 70mph this weekend, with a ferocious storm sparking severe weather warnings.

An area of low pressure is expected to move from the West Country across to eastern regions on Sunday, battering the UK with heavy showers and storm force winds.

A yellow severe weather warning for wind has been issued for the west coast of Wales and south west England as Storm Atiyah, the first named storm of winter, tears across the country.

The Met Office warning runs from 3pm on Sunday to 9am on Monday.

Saturday will be a largely bright and dry day with low wind speeds and temperatures between 11C and 12C, the Met Office said.

But conditions will deteriorate on Sunday afternoon, with the possibility of hail storms across the south east of England.

Inland winds are expected to reach 50-60mph, while 70mph gales are set to blast shorelines, causing large coastal waves.

Storm force gales are also expected for western parts of Northern Ireland and Scotland, with gusts set to reach 57mph overnight.

Met Office forecaster Simon Partridge told the Standard that the Environment Agency was “closely monitoring” the potential for “high waves going over sea defences” in coastal parts of East Anglia on Monday morning, as strong northerly winds meet a high tide.

The low-pressure is expected to move to the east coast of north England and Scotland in the early hours of Monday morning with gusts up to 55mph.

Deputy chief meteorologist Tony Wardle said: “The UK is in for an unsettled period of weather with some very strong winds, especially along the west coast.

“As well as strong winds there will be large coastal waves in the south west, so bare this in mind before heading out in these regions.

“Monday will be a much-improved day with brighter and drier conditions moving in from the west before another period of wet and windy weather on Tuesday.”