Storm Imogen To Bring 80mph Winds And Rain

Large parts of Britain are set to be battered by 80mph winds and heavy rain as Storm Imogen sweeps in later today into Monday.

The Met Office has issued amber "be prepared" warnings for the South West and yellow "be aware" alerts stretching from southern Wales to the Thames Estuary.

"Some very large waves are also likely to affect many coasts, in particular north coasts of Cornwall and Devon," it said.

It also warned commuters and households to be "prepared for disruption to travel as well as possible damage to trees and structures and interruption of power supplies".

Gusts of between 60-70mph are widely expected, while winds of 80mph will hit the most exposed areas, particularly the Cornish coast.

With high winds expected to carry thundery downpours throughout Monday, the Met Office said there would be enough rain to cause surface flooding and spray on roads.

Imogen is the ninth named winter storm and comes days after Storm Henry, which brought winds of up to 90mph in places, causing schools to shut and disruption to transport.

Sky News weather presenter Isobel Lang said: "An area of low pressure is set to bring damaging winds of 70 to 80mph across southern areas later tonight and during Monday.

"Starting across Kerry and Cork tonight, the severe gales will spread to southwest England and Wales for the morning rush hour, extending along the south coast through the day.

"Bands of heavy showers will add to the difficult travelling conditions."