Flood warnings across Herefordshire and Worcestershire as Storm Ashley hits
The Met Office predicts heavy rain and 80mph winds in some parts of the UK
A number of flood warnings and alerts are in place this morning - with locals urged to 'act now' in many parts of Herefordshire and Worcestershire - as the first named storm of the season hits the UK.
You're being told that flooding is expected around a number of places, including in parts of Worcester, as well as in Stourport on Severn, because of the high tides and weather conditions.
There are around half a dozen amber 'alerts' in force, as the Environment Agency urge us all to brace for a day of poor conditions.
We also know that two local schools - Peterchurch Primary and Ivington Primary - will remain closed tomorrow (21 October) following flooding earlier in the week.
Heavy rain and 80mph winds are predicted in places, with the first named storm of the season "likely" to bring a threat of injuries and danger to life, according to the Met Office.
A yellow warning for wind came into place for the entirety of Scotland and Northern Ireland and parts of north-west England and Wales at 3am and runs until midnight on Sunday.
An amber warning for the north-west of Scotland has been issued from 9am until midnight, with the weather service warning "injuries and danger to life is likely from large waves and beach material being thrown on to coastal roads, sea fronts and properties".
Met Office meteorologist Dan Stroud said "very strong, severe gales" on Sunday coincide with high spring tides, which could also result in "very large waves".
The north of Scotland will remain under a yellow warning for wind from midnight until 9am on Monday.
Further south, the Met Office has issued a yellow warning for the south-west of England and South Wales until midday on Sunday with a threat of disruption to travel with flooding and possible interruptions to power supplies.
Mr Stroud said strong, gale force winds are due to continue through to Monday morning, meaning "fallen debris and trees" could affect commuters at the start of the week.
Road users in Scotland have been advised to avoid unnecessary travel where possible, while Sunday's annual Great South Run in Portsmouth, Hampshire, has been cancelled because of weather-related safety concerns.
The Met Office said Sunday will be a "widely windy day" with storm-force wins in the north-west.
Rain will spread eastwards ahead of sunny spells, but with gusty winds moving east during the afternoon.
Meteorologist Ellie Glaisyer said: "Parts of western Scotland could see gusts of 70-80mph during the afternoon. It will turn drier and brighter across much of England and Wales with some sunny spells during the afternoon."
Winds are expected to ease on Monday with rain moving into the south east. The north is expected to remaining blustery for much of the week.
The Environment Agency's website listed 41 active flood warnings on Sunday morning, meaning flooding is expected, and 132 flood alerts, meaning flooding is possible.
The warnings include multiple areas of the River Severn, the south Cornwall coast and the Wye Estuary.
Natural Resources Wales said there are three flood warnings and 13 flood alerts in place, while 16 flood warnings have been issued by the Scottish Environment Protection Agency along with 17 alerts.