UK weather: Storm Clodagh to bring 70mph winds from the Atlantic

Britain will be battered by 70mph gusts of winds as Storm Clodagh makes its arrival from the Atlantic later on Sunday, 29 November, according to the Met Office.The most severe gales are expected around western coastal areas, while winds in inland parts will still reach up to 60mph, particularly in northern England.

The incoming storm has led to some towns across the UK to cancel their Christmas lights switch-on events over the weekend, including Bognor Regis and Portsmouth. Weather warnings are in place for this evening across the whole of England and Wales, and only some parts of eastern Scotland, and the Orkney and Shetland Islands will escape the heavy winds.

Ireland will face the full brunt of the storm, with the Met Office warning of potential flooding risks. Meanwhile, in Scotland, there could be up to 6in of snow in some areas on higher ground.

Risk of flooding

Heavy rain is also anticipated throughout the day in the UK, meaning the potential for localised flooding in parts where river levels are already high. Environment Agency flood warnings – which indicate flooding is expected – are in place for much of England and Wales, particularly in the northwest and southwest.

A statement from the Met Office said: "Although rainfall accumulations are not expected to be particularly large, rivers remain high from previous rainfall and are expected to respond, leading to the risk of flooding." The statement added: "The strongest winds are expected to reach Northern Ireland around dawn on Sunday, and most areas by the end of the morning, before gradually subsiding from the west during the afternoon and evening."

The windy weather has already played havoc with the roads, after an accident on a wet Dorset road on Saturday has left a woman fighting for her life.

Police said this morning she has "life-threatening injuries" and was rushed to Dorset County Hospital in Dorchester as Storm Clodagh came in yesterday. The crash happened around 2pm close to the Winyard's Gap Inn near Cheddington.