A POWERFUL storm is forecast to hit England and Wales in the early hours of Monday morning.
Wind speeds could reach 80mph or more across the southern half of Britain with the Met Office issuing a yellow warning for the North West with a potential for gusts of 70mph.
At the same time, persistent, heavy rain could cause some surface water flooding.
The Met Office has warned the public to be prepared for the risk of falling trees as well as damage to buildings and other structures, bringing disruption to transport and power supplies.
Frank Saunders, chief forecaster at the Met Office, said: "A developing storm is expected to reach the UK later on Sunday. This is expected to run northeastwards, probably across England and Wales, with very strong winds on its southern and western flanks.
"Twenty to 40 mm of rain may fall quite widely within six to nine hours, leading to localised flooding, especially where drainage is impeded by wind-blown debris."
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