Met Office issues weather warning for strong winds

The Met Office have issued a yellow weather warning for the Bath area, with strong winds expected to batter the city throughout this afternoon and into the evening.

The warning covers Wiltshire, Gloucestershire, Bath and North East Somerset, Somerset, Devon, Dorset, Bournemouth, Poole, Bristol, North Somerset and Swindon.

Storm Barney is the second storm to hit the United Kingdom this winter that has been deemed strong enough by the Met Office to be given its own name since Abigail hit last week.

Rainfall from Barney will generally total around 25mm (1in), but as much as 50mm (2in.) can fall in a few areas.

Storm Barney is expected to sweep across parts of the United Kingdom tonight with a warning for people not to take “selfies” in the bad weather.

According to the Met Office gusts are expected to be more severe over exposed hills and travel disruption is likely if the winds bring down trees.

The Met Office said t he strongest winds will initially develop across the Western Isles and north-west coast before extending into the Northern Isles during the evening, before they quickly ease on Tuesday.

The Portsmouth area is on “yellow alert” ahead of the predicted arrival of Storm Barney.

The Forth, Tay, Kessock, Dornoch and Skye bridges have all been affected by high winds and the A78 has flooded between Seamill and Largs in North Ayrshire. Find out if you are at risk and sign up for early flood warnings.

“High winds and heavy rainfall present risks to the railway from localised flooding, fallen trees and debris on the tracks and lead to poor rail conditions which may cause delays and alterations to services”.

More than 3,000 homes, mainly in Derbyshire, Worcestershire and Shropshire, were still cut off this morning.

“Members of the public are advised to remain indoors where possible during the storm and to stay away from rivers and other water bodies”.