The Met Office has issued two amber weather warnings as Storm Antoni hits the UK.
Although we’re technically in summer, the UK weather doesn’t seem to have realised, with heavy rain and ‘unseasonably strong’ winds forecast.
The Met Office has announced yellow rain warnings for most of Northern Ireland, from 8am to 8pm, while a similar warning is in place for parts of south-west England, including Plymouth, Bristol and Bath.
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Meanwhile, there are amber wind warnings for west Wales and parts of south-west England from 11am to 7am.
The Met Office said that ‘injuries and danger to life from flying debris are possible’ as ‘large waves and beach material being thrown on to sea fronts, coastal roads and properties’.
Meteorologists have warned that coastal areas could be battered with winds of up to 65 mph.
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Met Office chief meteorologist Steve Willington said the storm will bring 'potentially disruptive' weather as it moves from west to east.
He added: “Northern Ireland is likely to see some of the highest rainfall totals, with 40-60mm falling in some spots, but 20-30mm more widely.
“Away from the warning area many will still see a very wet day, especially in north Wales and north England.”
“The strongest winds will affect parts south-west England and south-west Wales where exposed coasts and high ground could see gusts in excess of 60mph,” he said.
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“In these areas, gusts inland could reach 50-55mph for a time. These windy conditions will likely coincide with high tides which will present an additional challenge for coastal areas.”
There are also potential delays and disruptions to travel across the weekend due to the weather, with the RAC’s Rod Dennis warning that Saturday is expected to be the worst day on the roads of the summer so far.
“We expect Saturday to be the worst day on the roads of the summer so far, especially for anyone in the south-west of England – and that’s a lot of people as our research shows it’s the most popular part of the country for leisure trips by car this year,” he said.
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“Conditions will be atrocious with a wholly unpleasant mix of very strong winds and locally intense rainfall. The best advice is to slow down significantly to stay safe and avoid exposed moorland and coastal routes until the storm passes.
“Drivers towing caravans and trailers need to be particularly careful in these conditions and those with boxes and bikes on the roof should double-check they’re secured properly.
“Drivers should also watch out for fallen trees and be prepared for the disruption they cause.”
Just another beautiful British summer, eh?
Claire Reid