Heavy rain and strong winds are expected to hit parts of the UK this weekend in the first named storm of the season.

The Met Office has issued a yellow warning ahead of Storm Ashley’s arrival in Britain on Sunday, for parts of north-west England, as well as Scotland, Northern Ireland and the Netherlands. Wales.

The storm will bring strong winds across the whole of the UK on Sunday and Monday, with Scotland and Northern Ireland expected to see the worst conditions.

Cumbria and other areas of the north west could see winds of up to 60 mph, with coastal areas and higher ground likely to be worst hit by the storm.

Weather conditions could disrupt travel, with ferry services and coastal routes particularly vulnerable to strong winds and heavy rain.

Orange warning

Tony Wisson, deputy chief meteorologist at the Met Office, said: “Storm Ashley will bring strong winds to most of the UK on Sunday before dissipating on Monday, with a risk of disruption to parts of Scotland, Northern Ireland, North West England and West Wales.

“A period of particularly strong winds is expected on Sunday afternoon and evening in the west of Scotland, where gusts could potentially reach 70-80mph in exposed areas and an amber warning for winds has been issued here.

“More generally, speeds of 50 to 60 mph are possible in some inland areas of other parts of the warning zone, particularly in Northern Ireland and the west of Scotland, and possibly as far as at 60-70 mph along exposed coastlines and hills. These strong winds, combined with high spring tides, could cause some disruption.

“It is important that people stay up to date with the latest forecasts and our warnings. »

The Great South Run in Portsmouth was canceled before the storm. Around 23,000 runners were expected on Sunday.

Organizers decided to cancel the event as the adverse weather conditions showed no signs of likely improving in time for the race.

Heavy rain

Western parts of the UK could wake up to winds of 50-60mph and heavy rain, particularly affecting exposed coastlines and hills, according to the Met Office.

The strongest winds on Sunday will sweep across exposed parts of Northern Ireland and western Scotland, with gusts of 70 mph likely.

Aidan McGivern, a meteorologist at the Met Office, said they could reach 80mph “or maybe a fraction more” in parts of western Scotland.

He added: “This type of wind gust could cause considerable disruption, damage to buildings, transport disruption on ferry crossings, for example.

“And also the risk of flooding for coastal communities, because these winds coincide with high tides, so that risk is particularly great.”

Winds will persist through Sunday and peak in the evening, he said.

Storm Ashley is expected to dissipate on Monday.