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Storm Brian: UK braced for gale-force winds and disruption Storm Brian: UK braced for gale-force winds and disruption
(about 1 hour later)
The UK is facing gale-force winds and possible flooding from Storm Brian - days after three people died in Ireland in the aftermath of Hurricane Ophelia. The UK is facing gale-force winds and possible flooding from Storm Brian, although early signs are that it will not hit as hard as expected.
Gusts of up to 70mph are predicted from Saturday morning, with forecasters warning of the potential for flooding, power cuts and transport disruption. Gusts of up to 70mph had been predicted from Saturday morning, with forecasters warning of the potential for flooding, power cuts and transport disruption.
Strong wind warnings are in place across much of Britain, including Wales, south England and the Midlands. Yellow strong wind warnings are still in place across much of Wales, south England and the Midlands.
Six flood warnings are in place across England, urging "immediate action". There are six flood warnings across England, urging "immediate action".
It comes after three people were killed and hundreds of thousands of people - mostly in the Irish Republic - were left without power after the remnants of Ophelia battered the British Isles. The storm comes after three people were killed and hundreds of thousands of people - mostly in the Irish Republic - were left without power after the remnants of Storm Ophelia battered the British Isles after weakening from its earlier hurricane force.
Strong winds and high seas have already reached the western coast of Ireland.Strong winds and high seas have already reached the western coast of Ireland.
Gusts could reach 130km/h (80mph) there, Irish weather agency Met Éireann said.Gusts could reach 130km/h (80mph) there, Irish weather agency Met Éireann said.
It has issued an orange warning - its second most severe alert - in seven Irish counties.It has issued an orange warning - its second most severe alert - in seven Irish counties.
But the winds due there "won't be anywhere near as strong as Storm Ophelia," the weather agency said.But the winds due there "won't be anywhere near as strong as Storm Ophelia," the weather agency said.
The storm is now moving into Wales, causing trains and ferries to be cancelled and seafront roads to be closed. In Wales, trains and ferries have been cancelled and seafront roads closed.
Natural Resources Wales said the coastline was likely to be "extremely dangerous this weekend" and urged people to avoid it.Natural Resources Wales said the coastline was likely to be "extremely dangerous this weekend" and urged people to avoid it.
Ceredigion council has also warned people to "keep away" from seafronts and "be careful" on low lying land where coastal flooding is possible.Ceredigion council has also warned people to "keep away" from seafronts and "be careful" on low lying land where coastal flooding is possible.
The Met Office's chief forecaster, Dan Suri, said gusts between 45mph (72km/h) and 55mph (88km/h) were forecast widely, while gusts of 60mph (96km/h) to 70mph (112km/h) were expected in exposed coastal areas.The Met Office's chief forecaster, Dan Suri, said gusts between 45mph (72km/h) and 55mph (88km/h) were forecast widely, while gusts of 60mph (96km/h) to 70mph (112km/h) were expected in exposed coastal areas.
"These are expected to coincide with high tides, leading to locally dangerous conditions in coastal parts," he said."These are expected to coincide with high tides, leading to locally dangerous conditions in coastal parts," he said.
In addition to the flood warnings, the Environment Agency has issued 42 flood alerts - meaning flooding is possible - most of which are in the west and south-west of England.In addition to the flood warnings, the Environment Agency has issued 42 flood alerts - meaning flooding is possible - most of which are in the west and south-west of England.
Flood barriers have been put in place in areas including Fowey in Cornwall, as south-western towns brace themselves to become some of the worst affected areas of the British Isles. Flood barriers have been put in place in areas including Fowey in Cornwall, but Frank Newell, from the Environment Agency, said the surge had been lower than forecast.
"In terms of impact, we've had spray overtopping quaysides, but we don't have at the moment any reported property flooding," he said.
BBC weather presenter Tomasz Schafernaker said for 80% of the country, it will be a "normal autumn windy day", but there were concerns on the coast.BBC weather presenter Tomasz Schafernaker said for 80% of the country, it will be a "normal autumn windy day", but there were concerns on the coast.
"In areas of the south west, there will be high winds and big waves crashing over, so for those hardy people who at the weekend like to go for a stroll even in this weather, there is a danger there," he said."In areas of the south west, there will be high winds and big waves crashing over, so for those hardy people who at the weekend like to go for a stroll even in this weather, there is a danger there," he said.
"There are also barriers in local areas, so there are flooding concerns. But the level of the winds is expected for autumn and winter.""There are also barriers in local areas, so there are flooding concerns. But the level of the winds is expected for autumn and winter."
Across the UK National Rail warned the stormy weather could affect train services, with emergency speed restrictions imposed on most of the routes in Wales. Across the UK, National Rail warned the weather could affect train services, with emergency speed restrictions imposed on most of the routes in Wales.
A spokesman said: "Fallen trees and other debris may temporarily block railway lines and damage overhead wires.A spokesman said: "Fallen trees and other debris may temporarily block railway lines and damage overhead wires.
"Speed restrictions may be imposed in the worst affected areas for safety reasons, which may delay your journey.""Speed restrictions may be imposed in the worst affected areas for safety reasons, which may delay your journey."
The Environment Agency's national flood duty manager, Ben Lukey, warned people against posing for photos during the hazardous conditions.The Environment Agency's national flood duty manager, Ben Lukey, warned people against posing for photos during the hazardous conditions.
He said: "We urge people to stay safe along the coast and warn against putting yourself in unnecessary danger by taking 'storm selfies' or driving through flood water - just 30cm (11in) is enough to move your car."He said: "We urge people to stay safe along the coast and warn against putting yourself in unnecessary danger by taking 'storm selfies' or driving through flood water - just 30cm (11in) is enough to move your car."
Have you been affected by Storm Brian? Share your pictures, video and experiences by emailing haveyoursay@bbc.co.uk.Have you been affected by Storm Brian? Share your pictures, video and experiences by emailing haveyoursay@bbc.co.uk.
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