Gale force winds and rain to batter UK this weekend as Storm Brian hits

Storm Brian will hit the UK on Saturday, bringing gale force winds and rain to the south of the country.

Flooding and power cuts are possible as the storm batters the country.

The latest bad weather comes just days after Storm Ophelia killed three people in Ireland and caused disruption across the UK.

Sky News weather presenter Jo Wheeler said the disruption was likely to continue on Saturday as the storm "will bring 80mph gusts to southwestern coasts".

"The other concern is that spring tides combined with large waves may lead to overtopping along southernmost coasts," she said.

"The low pressure system will then migrate northwards on Sunday, taking the stronger winds with it."

This weekend's storm has been named Brian by Met Éireann.

Storms in the UK and Ireland are named alphabetically and Brian will follow September's Storm Aileen.

Hurricane Ophelia was named by the National Hurricane Centre in the US, so does not follow the same pattern.

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Met Éireann has issued an orange "be prepared" wind warning - equivalent to a Met Office amber warning - for Saturday.

On the same day, the Met Office is forecasting high winds in Wales, the South West and the South.

"Some coastal routes and communities are likely to be affected by large waves, with potential for flooding of properties," it said.

"Some transport disruption is likely across the warning area, with delays to road, rail, air and ferry transport.

"Short term loss of power and other services is also possible."

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Further strong winds are also expected on Thursday evening ahead of the weekend's storm.

"Thursday's storm brings a risk of 60-70mph gusts around the southwest and Channel coasts," said Jo Wheeler.

"Significant rainfall will add to the high water levels post Ophelia, which may lead to some flooding for Ireland and Northern Ireland."