Storm Ashley, named by Met Éireann, is set to impact the UK, with the Met Office issuing a yellow weather warning for wind starting from 3am on Sunday and lasting until noon on Monday.

The warning covers all of Scotland, with winds expected to reach up to 80mph in western areas. The alert also applies to parts of north-west England, including Carlisle and Bangor, as well as regions in Wales and Northern Ireland.

The Met Office has cautioned that there is a “small chance” of danger to life due to flying debris and large waves along the coast. Roads and bridges could close, and cancellations to train services and flights are possible.

There is also a “slight chance” of structural damage to buildings, such as tiles being blown off roofs, as well as potential power outages that may affect mobile phone coverage.

In a statement, the Met Office explained: “A windy period is expected across the whole of the UK on Sunday and into Monday, but there is a heightened risk of disruption in parts of Scotland, Northern Ireland, north-west England, and north-west Wales. Strong south to south-easterly winds are likely to develop on Sunday morning, with gusts of 50-60mph possible in inland areas, particularly Northern Ireland and western Scotland, and up to 60-70mph along exposed coasts and hills."

Later on Sunday, winds are expected to shift to a south-westerly direction, bringing especially strong gusts to western Scotland during the afternoon and evening, potentially reaching 70-80mph in exposed areas and 55-65mph more generally across the warning zone.

The combination of these strong winds and high spring tides could cause significant disruption. Photo by Storm rolling in from the westby JThomas, Wikimedia commons.