Powerful Atlantic storm to smash UK with strongest summer gales in 30 years

It's the first time the Met Office have named a summer storm, and his name is Hector

Parts of Britain will experience the strongest summer gales in nearly 30 years as Storm Hector makes landfall. 70mph winds threaten widespread disruption from tonight onward following alerts for building damage, flying debris, power cuts and travel chaos. Phone signals could even be affected. [caption id="attachment_184084" align="alignnone" width="4000"] (Credit: Matt Cardy)[/caption] An amber weather warning has been issued for Northern Ireland, with a "danger to life" posed by weather conditions on Thursday morning. The Met Office also warned that longer journey times and cancellations are likely, as road, rail, air and ferry services may be affected in the country. As well as damage to buildings, power cuts and a disruption of outdoor activities. The forecasters said a threat to life was "likely" because of large waves and beach material being thrown inland, as well as flying debris. https://twitter.com/metoffice/status/1006990087085682688 A yellow severe weather warning covers Scotland and the whole of northern England until tomorrow afternoon. Met Eireann, the Irish meteorological service, named the storm 'Hector' this morning. It is the eighth named storm since autumn. The Met Office forecasts winds of up to 60mph, with gusts of 70mph. [caption id="attachment_184086" align="alignnone" width="1200"] (Credit: WXCharts)[/caption] Met Office chief forecaster Will Lang said: "Storm Hector will bring a spell of very windy weather on Thursday with gusts of 50 to 60 mph likely. "There is a small chance of injuries and danger to life from flying debris; disruption to outdoor activities is also likely, with damage to tents, marquees and other temporary structures. "The strongest winds will reach Northern Ireland during the early hours of Thursday before spreading eastwards across other northern parts of the UK during the morning. "Westerly winds are likely to gust between 50 and 60 mph in many areas and possibly around 70mph in some exposed locations. "It is possible that amber warnings may be issued for some areas later on Wednesday or early on Thursday if this risk increases further."