Britons are bracing for Storm Babet to batter large parts of the UK from today, with heavy rain and strong winds forecast as well as extensive flooding in already saturated parts of Scotland. 

Storm Babet, a complex area of low pressure which developed to the west of the Iberian Peninsula, is expected to cause power cuts, road closures and travel disruption this week. 

Yellow severe weather warnings have been issued until Saturday for a vast swathe of the UK, covering Scotland, Northern Ireland, and northern and eastern England.

Heavy rain will first drench Northern Ireland this afternoon and will continue into Thursday morning. 

Forecasters have warned of dangerous driving conditions and “fast-flowing and deep floodwater” that could pose a danger to life.

Met Office deputy chief meteorologist Tony Wardle said: “Storm Babet will bring disruption for parts of the UK in the coming days, with heavy rain and strong winds likely for many.”

Follow the latest developments below.