Winds could hit 80mph as storm Caroline sweeps in

Winds are forecast to strengthen across parts of Britain on Wednesday ahead of the arrival of Storm Caroline.

Conditions will start to turn wet and blustery, especially across the north and north west of the UK, before gales hit on Thursday.

Forecasters are expecting the storm - the third named storm of the year - to bring gusts of up to 80mph in northern Scotland.

A yellow "be aware'' weather warning is in place for the region, which runs from 8am on Thursday until just before midnight.

Met Office meteorologist Marco Petagna said: "Wednesday will see the last of the mild days, with temperatures in double figures, between 10 and 12 degrees (50F-54F).

"Overnight, the main feature will be the increase in wind as Caroline starts to come in towards the end of the night.

"At the moment we have a yellow weather warning in place, but it could be upgraded to amber.''

Road, rail, air and ferry services may be affected, while a loss of power in some areas is also possible.

Coastal routes, seafronts and coastal communities are likely to be affected by spray or large waves.

Meanwhile, dozens of workers are being removed from a North Sea platform due to safety fears over weather conditions caused by Storm Caroline.

CNR International said a total of 69 of the 159 staff on Ninian South, about 240 miles from Aberdeen, would be leaving the structure as a precaution.

Snow and falling temperatures are also forecast for parts of Britain later in the week.

A yellow snow and ice warning is in place for Friday for Scotland, Northern Ireland, western England and Wales.