GUSTS of up to 90 mph are predicted in Cumbria in the run-up to Christmas.

The Met Office has issued a yellow weather alert for the North West, with risk of flooding throughout the area.

An area of low pressure is predicted to bring very strong winds and heavy rain to much of the UK from Monday morning, through to Christmas Eve.

The office has also predicted widespread gales with gusts of 70 mph for the North West of England.

Gusts of 90 mph are possible, with the public warned there will be the potential for significant disruption to travel due to the severity of the weather.