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 for parts of northwest England as well as Scotland, Northern Ireland and Wales, ahead of Storm Ashley’s arrival on Sunday.

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 60mph, with coastal areas and higher ground likely to bear the brunt. Weather conditions could disrupt travel, with ferry services and coastal routes particularly vulnerable to strong winds and heavy rain.

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, of Northern Ireland and the northwest of 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, gusts 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 away as at 60 to 70 mph along exposed coastlines and hills. These strong winds, combined with high spring tides, could cause some disruption.