Met Office issues major 371-mile yellow weather warning as heavy rain and strong gusts to hammer Britain

The Met Office has issued the warning for rain, starting at midnight on Thursday until 9pm on the same day.

Warnings for wind for eastern England is expected for 9am on Thursday until just before midnight on Friday. Whereas for South West England and Wales the warning is issued from 4am on Thursday until 6pm.

It has been indicated that "strong winds may cause travel disruption and some damage across eastern England on Thursday", particularly on the east coast.

The Met Office has also indicated "heavy rain for southern and eastern parts of Britain", with it most likely in "North Devon and Cornwall".

"A complex low pressure over the mid-Atlantic early this week is expected to move towards the UK whilst deepening, but confidence in the details of its track and intensity as it comes across the UK remains fairly low," the Met Office said when detailing the extent of the heavy rain.

"Despite these uncertainties, there is at least a medium likelihood that an extensive, and in places heavy swathe of rain will move into southwestern Britain during Wednesday evening and spread quickly northeast."

The office added that "totals by early Thursday morning of widely 20-30mm" as well as other areas which could see between 30-50mm.

"There is a small chance a few places could exceed this, most likely over North Devon and Cornwall and more generally in the east of the highlighted area," the Met Office further said.

"In association with the rain, conditions are expected to turn windy with a chance of gales, initially along southern and eastern coasts, but more widely across southern Britain during Thursday daytime."

The Met Office has indicated there will be a "deepening area of low pressure ... expected to cross southeast Britain on Thursday".

It is expected to clear "into the North Sea by Thursday evening".

"Winds will pick up in association with the low, and as it clears from the east coast, very strong northwesterly winds are likely to develop," the office added.

"Gusts of wind of 44-55mph can be expected widely, with 65mph possible near coasts."

Britain's national forecaster said there was a "smaller chance" that if the low is deeper, gusts would reach as high as 75mph, "most likely late morning and into the afternoon".

People have been told to "check if your property could be at risk of flooding" and to ensure it is protected during winds.

"Give yourself the best chance of avoiding delays by checking road conditions if driving, or bus and train timetables, amending your travel plans if necessary," the Met Office said.

"People cope better with power cuts when they have prepared for them in advance."

The office has advised that people should gather "torches and batteries, a mobile phone power pack and other essential items".

"If you are on the coast, stay safe during stormy weather by being aware of large waves," the Met Office added.

Those communities at risk of winds include the East Midlands, East of England, London and South East England as well as Yorkshire and Humber. South West England and Wales were also cautioned with a yellow weather warning.

The Met Office has asked people to be prepared and, "when a weather warning is issued", to stay up to date with the forecast in your area.

The rain and winds could make journey times longer, and there could be damage to buildings.

"There is a small chance of injuries and danger to life from flying debris," the forecaster warned.

Our Standards: The GB News Editorial Charter