Severe Gales As Storm Clodagh Hits Britain

The UK will be battered by severe gales later as Storm Clodagh tears into the coastline from the Atlantic.

Gusts of up to 70mph are expected around exposed coastal areas in the west, with winds inland reaching between 50-60 mph, particularly in northern England.

The blustery weather has led a number of towns to delay switching on their Christmas lights.

The Met Office has issued weather warnings for Sunday evening, covering the whole of England and Wales.

Some parts of eastern Scotland and Orkney and Shetland will escape the worst of the weather, however.

Wintry showers are expected elsewhere in Scotland, with snow falling throughout the morning and leaving up to 6in (15cm) on higher ground.

Heavy rain is also expected in the morning and early afternoon, particularly in northeast England.

The Environment Agency has issued a number of flood warnings for much of England and Wales, particularly the northwest and southwest.

A Met Office spokesman said: "Although rainfall accumulations are not expected to be particularly large, rivers remain high from previous rainfall and are expected to respond, leading to the risk of flooding."

He added: "The strongest winds are expected to reach Northern Ireland around dawn on Sunday, and most areas by the end of the morning, before gradually subsiding from the west during the afternoon and evening."

Bognor Regis, Portsmouth and parts of Ayrshire are among the areas that have suspended their festive plans because of the bad weather.