Storm Dudley is the first of two weather events expected to bring strong gales across the UK this week.
The Met office issued two weather warnings for today (Wednesday 16 February), one yellow and one amber.
But the storm is now forecast to hit the nation sooner than first thought, with weather warnings being brought forward by around two hours.
Experts have said the storm will generate 'a period of strong and potentially disruptive winds.'
Read more: 'Danger to life' weather warning as Storm Dudley hits Greater Manchester today
Motorists are advised to check the weather conditions locally before setting off on any journeys and to allow for more time to travel.
And there is no sign of the weather settling down towards the end of the week.
On Friday Storm Eunice is likely to bring more gusts, as well as heavy rain and signification snowfall in some areas.
The gusts inland could reach highs of up to 70mph, with snow falling over hills in the Midlands and further north.
What time will Storm Dudley start today?
Storm Dudley is expected to hit this afternoon (Wednesday 16 February) from either 1pm or 2pm depending on whereabouts you are in the UK.
The first weather warning - a yellow wind alert - begins at 1pm and is in place until 6am tomorrow morning (Thursday 17 February).
The Met Office says that after a windy day, westerly winds are expected to increase further later this afternoon and evening across southern Scotland, Northern Ireland, northern England, then parts of Wales, the Midlands and East Anglia.
There is still some uncertainty in the timing and location of the strongest winds but there is the potential for inland wind gusts of 60-70 mph in places.
The worst of the winds will ease through Thursday morning, though remaining generally windy during the day.
The second weather caution- a more severe amber warning - is in place from 2pm this afternoon (Wednesday 16 February) until 11.59pm tonight.
According to the Met Office, very strong westerly winds are expected to develop across southwest Scotland and northern parts of Northern Ireland, extending eastward across southern Scotland and northern England during the evening.
There is still some uncertainty in the timing and location of the strongest winds but inland gusts of 60-70 mph are likely.
They could reach as high as 75 to 80 mph in a few places, mostly exposed sites.
