Storm Hector: 'Danger to life' warning issued as powerful winds and extreme weather bear down on UK

People living by the sea warned of 'large waves and beach material' being thrown into air

The UK has been told to brace for Storm Hector as it brings winds of up to 70mph and a potential danger to life.

The Met Office has issued a yellow weather warning for the north of England, Northern Ireland and Scotland, and said more severe amber-level alerts could follow

Meteorologists said “unseasonably strong winds” would develop before reaching its peak throughout that area on Thursday morning.

Westerly winds are likely to be between 50mph and 60mph but could reach up to 70mph in exposed locations before easing in the afternoon, the forecasters said.

“There is a small chance of injuries and danger to life,” the Met Office said, adding that risks could also be posed by “large waves and beach material being thrown onto sea front”, and that “disruption to outdoor activities” was likely.

The Queen and the Meghan Markle’s first engagement together – opening Cheshire’s Mersey Gateway Bridge and the Storyhouse Theatre – may be hit by strong gusts.

The area covered by the warning includes the whole of Scotland and Northern Ireland, and northern England as far south as Liverpool and Doncaster.

The Met Office said: “Within the warning area, the greatest potential for disruption is likely to be in northern parts of Northern Ireland around rush hour on Thursday and later in the morning across southern and central parts of Scotland.

“It is possible that amber warnings may be issued for some areas later on Wednesday or early on Thursday if this risk increases further.”

Forecaster Sophie Yeomans said: “Over the rest of England and Wales it will just be a strong, blustery day.

“With any outdoor events planned, it may be something people are unprepared for or come as unexpected compared to the weather we have had recently.”

Additional reporting by PA