Storm Otto: Where in the UK will be worst hit by 75mph winds

Storm Otto is on its way to the UK, and is expected to batter parts of the North Sea coasts with winds of up to 75mph.

The first named storm of the year to affect Britain is set to cause disruption to parts of Scotland and north-east England on Friday, bringing strong gusts and persistent rain to some areas.

TransPennine Express warned customers to check their route before they travel, adding trains between Berwick-upon-Tweed and Edinburgh will have to move at reduced speeds.

There has also been warnings of possible damage to buildings, while drivers of high-sided vehicles have been urged to take extra care.

Meanwhile, between 40mm to 50mm of rain is likely to fall over parts of western Scotland as Storm Otto sweeps from the western coast, the Met Office says.

Yellow weather warnings for wind have been issued for the whole of Scotland and a stretch of north and north-east England running from Sheffield to the Scottish border.

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The warning for Scotland, which applies until 3pm on Friday, says there could be “injuries and danger to life from flying debris” and “some damage to building, such as tiles blown from roofs”.

Met Office chief meteorologist Andy Page said: “Storm Otto will bring high winds and rain to the UK, with some northern parts of Scotland and the north-east of England likely to get the strongest gusts of wind, possibly in excess of 75mph. Warnings have been issued and could be updated as Storm Otto develops.

“There’s a chance of travel disruption and high-sided vehicles could be particularly prone to disrupted plans in this set-up.

“There’s associated rain with Storm Otto, with 40-50mm of rain likely to fall over parts of western Scotland.”

Once the storm passes the UK late on Friday, another weather system is set to move in from the west, bringing more rain mixed with snow to Northern Ireland and Scotland.

The Met Office says the picture for the weekend is "largely unsettled, with a mix of cloud and rain likely on Saturday", again, particularly over northern areas.

"There’s a chance of some cool conditions overnight in Scotland on Saturday, which would increase the likelihood of ice forming for some," it adds.

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"Sunday will see some clearer spells for a time early on, albeit with showers possible in northwestern areas, before some more persistent rain looks to build in from the north late on Sunday."