Storm Darragh is set to batter Britain this weekend with an amber danger to life warning issued by the Met Office.

Forecasters said a period of very strong northerly or northwesterly winds is likely to develop during Saturday as the storm moves from west to east.

A Met Office spokesperson said: "Gusts of 70 to 80 mph are likely around exposed coasts and headlands, where some very large waves are likely, whilst gusts of 60 to 70 mph are likely inland. The strongest winds will ease from the west through the afternoon."

An amber warning for wind indicates that "flying debris is likely and could lead to Injuries or danger to life."

The Met Office has issued an amber warning

Chief Meteorologist at the Met Office Neil Armstrong said: "A spell of strong winds will affect parts of northern Scotland from Wednesday afternoon until Thursday morning.

"Winds will initially be south or southeasterly, but turn westerly during Thursday morning. Gusts will reach 50-60 mph widely with 65-75mph possible in places, especially around exposed coasts.

“A band of rain will also move eastwards across the UK overnight, bringing heavy rain to most parts of the UK as it crosses the country.

"We expect this rain to clear the southeast of England by 7am on Thursday morning, before another spell of wet and windy weather begins."