Storm Imogen brings 80mph wind and heavy rain, Met Office says

Southern England and parts of South Wales are expected to be worst hit

(PA)

Parts of Britain have been hit by heavy rain and 80mph winds as Storm Imogen hurtles in from the English Channel.

Southern England and parts of South Wales have been worst hit, with the highest winds in exposed coastal districts.

The Met Office has issued red warnings – meaning "flood is expected" - across England, while amber "be prepared" alerts have been put in place in the North East.

A statement posted on the Met Office website before the storm hit said: “Gusts of 60-70 mph are possible in southern England and parts of south Wales with 80 mph gusts possible in exposed coastal districts.

“Some very large waves are also likely along some coasts, especially along the north coast of Cornwall and Devon. There remains some uncertainty just how far north and east the strongest of the winds will extend.

“Winds are expected to ease through Tuesday leading to a short drier, quieter and colder interlude for many on Wednesday before more wind and rain follows later in the week.”

Imogen comes days after Storm Henry, which ravaged parts of the north of Britain, and Storm Gertrude, which saw winds of more than 100mph cause travel disruption and power cuts.

In 2015, the Met Office launched a project to give severe winter storms human names in order to allow the approach of the storm to be communicated more uniformly.

It explained the move was designed to make the public “better placed to keep themselves, their property and businesses safe”.