Stock image. Photograph by Ceridwen
The Met office has issued rare red warnings for northwest England and Wales, telling people to take action and prepare for gale force winds of up to 160km/h (100mph) this afternoon.
Coastal areas are expected to be the worst affected, with the strong winds liable to bring down trees, cause structural damage to buildings, and cut off power. Large waves are also expected to come crashing into the already battered British coastline.
The winds have already cut off power from around 3,000 homes in Wales according to Western power Distribution, and Network rail have warned that some services to Wales will not be operating after 14:00 due to the weather.
