The Met Office has issued two yellow-level gale warnings for the north of the country, coming into force on Friday. A warning covering most of Scotland comes into force at 5am on Friday and will last until 3pm and one for the north of England including Leeds, York and Newcastle will run from 6am to 6pm on Friday.
The warnings read: "A period of very strong winds may develop through Friday morning, before slowly easing into Friday evening. Winds will be strongest over, and immediately to the east of high ground, with gusts of 50-60 mph. Gusts as high as 70 mph are possible, particularly for some of the more exposed trans-Pennine routes. High-sided vehicles may be particularly impacted."
They add: "A deep area of low pressure is expected to impact much of northern Britain through Friday. Winds will increase from west to east, with gusts of 55-65 mph likely, and locally as high as 70-75 mph for exposed coasts and hills. Winds will gradually through Friday afternoon and evening."
The alert warns:
- There is a small chance of injuries and danger to life from flying debris
- There is a slight chance of some damage to buildings, such as tiles blown from roofs
- There is a small chance of longer journey times or cancellations as road, rail, air and ferry services are affected. High-sided vehicles may be particularly prone in this set-up.
- There is a small chance that some roads and bridges could close
- There is a slight chance that power cuts may occur, with the potential to affect other services, such as mobile phone coverage
- There is a small chance that injuries and danger to life could occur from large waves and beach material being thrown onto sea fronts, coastal roads and properties
