Heavy rain and gales as Storm Frank sweeps in

Storm Frank, which is the sixth named storm of the season, could bring gales or severe gales to parts of the UK from Tuesday evening into Wednesday.

Gusts of 55 to 65 mph are likely quite widely, with gusts reaching 70 to 80 mph in exposed areas.

Will Lang, Met Office chief meteorologist, said: "We expect stormy conditions to return midweek, and have already issued national severe weather warnings for gales on Tuesday and heavy rain on Wednesday, as a rapidly deepening area of low pressure, Storm Frank, passes to the northwest of the UK.

"Everyone should be aware of the potential for disruption in places from further flooding and the impacts of the gales to transport, especially in areas such as southern and central Scotland and Cumbria where Amber 'be prepared' warnings are in place.

"The weather is particularly unsettled at the moment and we advise everyone to stay up to date with the latest Met Office forecasts and warnings and find out what to do in severe weather so they can plan ahead for the expected weather before it arrives."