Storm Ashley: First storm of the season named as wind and rain to hit UK this weekend

Danger to life is “likely” as the first named storm of the season is set to hit the UK this weekend.

Storm Ashley is set to bring wet weather and winds of up to 80mph, with an amber weather warning in place for the northwest of Scotland from 9am on Sunday until midnight on the same day.

A yellow warning for the entirety of Scotland and Northern Ireland, and parts of northwest England and Wales has also been issued.

Gusts of 80mph could hit northwest Scotland and “injuries and danger to life is likely from large waves and beach material being thrown onto coastal roads, sea fronts and properties”, the Met Office said.

There is “a good chance” of power cuts in that area which could affect mobile phone coverage and buildings will probably be damaged, such as by tiles blowing off roofs, the Met Office added.

Disruption or cancellations to road, rail, air and ferry services are likely, as well as road and bridge closures.

Sunday’s strongest winds will sweep exposed parts of Northern Ireland and western Scotland, with 70mph gusts likely.

But parts of western Scotland could see gusts of 80mph.

Storm Ashley, the first named storm of the 2024/25 storm season, is set to develop on Friday near the coast of Canada.

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Saturday will see rain at times for many, but it’s generally set to clear to bring “a dry and fine end to the day for most”, according to the Met Office.

But by Sunday, the low-pressure system, currently approaching from the west, will bring stronger winds.