STORM Helene is expected to bring gusts of wind up to 50mph to parts of Cumbria.

The Met Office has issued a yellow weather warning for the storm, which is expected to hit between 6pm tonight (Monday) and 8am tomorrow (Tuesday). 

Storm Helene is expected to move northeastwards across the British Isles before clearing into the northern North Sea by early Tuesday morning.

A spell of strong winds is expected, initially mainly in the far southwest of England and across western Wales.

The strongest winds then transfer northwards to be over northern England and the far south of Scotland, during the early hours of Tuesday.

Winds are likely to gust into the 40s or low 50s quite widely across the warning area.

Meanwhile, in some Irish Sea coastal areas, most likely in Wales and northwest England, gusts to 55-65 mph are likely with possible isolated gusts in excess of 70 mph in the most exposed places.

High gusts in the 50s or low 60s mph area also possible over high ground in northern England during the early hours of Tuesday.

The Met Office warns to expect some delays to road, rail, air and ferry transport, some bus and train services to be affected, with some journeys taking longer.

It also warns of delays for high-sided vehicles on exposed routes and bridges, some short term loss of power and other services, coastal routes, sea fronts and coastal communities affected by spray and/or large waves.

Some damage to trees is possible, for example large branches or trees falling in a few places.