Lives could be at risk as strong winds batter parts of the UK over the coming days as Storm Malik strikes.
The Met Office has issued a number of severe weather warnings that run from early Saturday (January 29) through to Monday (January 31).
The yellow alerts cover swathes of England, Scotland and Northern Ireland and the worst of the weather could case 'dangerous waves' that could cause injuries and a 'danger to life' from Sunday into Monday.
Weather experts warn that beach material could also be thrown into the air on to sea fronts, coastal roads and properties.
The Met Office says from 6pm on Sunday to noon on Monday, a spell of strong northwesterly winds is likely to develop across western Scotland, and then progress southeastwards eventually easing away from the North Sea coastlines during Monday morning.
The chief forecaster warns: "The strongest wind gusts will mostly occur around the coastlines and over the hills, with many of these exposed locations expected to see gusts reach 50-60 mph for a time.
"In addition, a small chance that a very limited part of the area could see a short period of more damaging gusts, that could reach 60-70mph inland, and 70-80mph around exposed coasts and hills."
The low pressure system has been named Storm Malik by the Danish Meteorological Institute (DMI).
It says to expect:
- Road, rail, air and ferry services may be affected, with longer journey times and cancellations possible
- Some roads and bridges may close
- Power cuts may occur, with the potential to affect other services, such as mobile phone coverage
- Injuries and danger to life could occur from large waves and beach material being thrown onto susceptible sea fronts, coastal roads and properties
Other warnings
If the worst of the weather is due Sunday into Monday, there are also warnings in place for Saturday into Sunday, covering parts of northern England, Northern Ireland and Scotland.
There is a warning of strong westerly winds on Saturday from 4am to 3pm in Scotland and parts of Northern Ireland and northern England and a separate warning from 7am to 3pm on Saturday for eastern Scotland.
