Storm Brian 2017 update: London braced for severe weather with the UK to be lashed by rain and wind

Londoners are facing a severe weather warning with an alert issued for strong winds as Storm Brian is set to batter the capital.

Days after Ophelia wreaked havoc across the country, London is facing high winds and driving rain from Brian, which will descend on the south of England on Friday night, bringing with it gusts of up to 70mph.

Forecasters warned of gales and flooding and said the storm could potentially have “significant” impact for parts of the country.

A Yellow weather warning is in place for the capital and the south of England from 4am on Saturday, but heavy rain and wind is expected overnight on Friday.

On Saturday, London is expected to endure a "very windy day with gales" with outbreaks of rain early on, which will become heavier throughout the day.

Sunday and the start of next week will also be blustery with intervals of rain.

Brits are being advised not to risk their lives by taking "storm selfies" in coastal areas.

Train operators have already warned of possible disruption, with South Western Railway telling passengers to check their journeys due to 'exceptionally poor rail conditions' on the network this weekend.

Meteorologist Alex Burkill said the risk of strong winds in England has now also extended further north than first thought.

He said: "The rain and strong winds have edged a little further northwards.

"Gusts of 50-60mph inland seem fairly plausible, and around exposed coastal areas we can expect to see winds of between 60-70mph.

"The worst risk areas are along the south coast and the west coast, but even heading as far north as north-west England, such as the west coast of Cumbria and Lancashire, which are now in the yellow warning area."

The second named storm of the season was sparked by a "weather bomb" of low pressure in the Atlantic Ocean.

It comes days after Storm Ophelia wrought havoc in the UK Ireland on Monday, killing three people and leaving thousands of homes without power.

On Thursday, Met Office Spokesman Grahame Madge said "dramatic waves" could also pose a threat to life as Storm Brian moves in on Saturday,.