Met Office issues dangerous weather warnings to large parts of UK

Brits have been told to 'prepare'

Two of the warnings come into effect from 7am on Saturday (December 21) morning for Scotland, parts of Northern Ireland and England, and the north coast of Wales. These warnings run through to midnight on Saturday.

According to the Met Office, the Highlands and Eilean Siar, Orkney and Shetland and Strathclyde regions can expect gusts of 65-75mph, with a chance winds could even reach speeds of 80mph.

Conditions in coastal areas are expected to be dangerous, with the risk of large waves.

The Met Office said as part of Saturday's warnings: "Prepare to protect your property and people from injury. Check for loose items outside your home and plan how you could secure them. Items include; bins, garden furniture, trampolines, tents, sheds, and fences."

The third weather warning is in place on Sunday from midday to 9pm and covers Scotland, Northern Ireland, Wales and western parts of England.

The Met Office says: "Gusts of 50mph to 60mph are expected quite widely, and around some exposed coasts and hills of gusts 70mph are possible, especially in the north and west. In addition, squally showers are likely with some hail and thunder possible in places.

"This has the potential to cause delays to public transport and some disruption to the road network, which may have a greater than usual impact given the busier pre-Christmas weekend travel. Dangerous coastal conditions can be expected too, with large waves an additional hazard."