Fears of Storm Brian grow as forecasters issue warnings

The worst of the weather is likely to be around exposed coastlines with dangerous gusts predicted across the affected areas. Some coastal routes and communities are likely to be affected by large waves, with potential for flooding

of properties.

Transport disruption is likely across the warning area, with delays to road, rail, air and ferry transport. Short term loss of power and other services is also possible.

A yellow severe weather warning for 'dangerous' high winds covers much of southern England, Wales and the West Midlands. The spell of strong south-westerly winds is expected to pound much of the affected area from the early hours of Saturday into the evening. Areas covered by the alert are the east of England, Wales, London, the south east, south-west England and the

West Midlands.

It is likely to be christened Storm Brian by Met Office officials.

The Met Office chief forecaster stated: "An intense low pressure system is expected to bring a swathe of strong south-westerly winds over southern areas early on Saturday.

"These will steadily transfer east through the morning and early afternoon, becoming westerly and eventually north-westerly later whilst also slowly easing. "Gusts exceeding 50 mph are expected widely within the warning area. These are expected to coincide with high tides, leading to locally dangerous conditions."

Forecaster Eleanor Bell, of The Weather Channel, added: "Current tracks show the centre of the low moving through Ireland with strong to gale force winds possible for Ireland late on Friday.

"Strongest winds and heaviest rain will likely be over Wales and south-west England overnight into Saturday."

She said winds could reach gale to severe gale force with gusts of 60-70mph, locally 80mph for western and southern coastal areas.

Hurricane Ophelia claimed three lives and left a trail of destruction on Monday afternoon after it raged across Ireland, Wales, the north-west of England and Scotland.

The unsettled conditions will remain into next week with winds strengthening to galeforce across the UK.

Storms are given a name by the UK Met Office when they have the potential for amber or red severe weather warnings – meaning significant impacts - for wind, rain or snow. Brian will be the name of the next storm to hit the UK.

"Brian is the next named storm," a Met Office spokeswoman said.