Storm Lilian hits sparking warnings of disruption

Drivers are being advised to take care on the roads as strong winds and heavy rain from Storm Lilian batter parts of the UK on Friday morning.

A Met Office yellow warning for winds in excess of 75mph has been issued across parts of northern England, southern Scotland and Wales until 11:00 BST on Friday.

Forecasters warn that travel disruption is expected, with possible problems for drivers on the M6 motorway, A66 and A1.

Heavy rain is expected to spread eastwards across the country with the potential for some localised flooding.

There are also two yellow weather warnings for rain in place in parts of south-west and eastern Scotland overnight until 09:00 BST on Friday.

There is a possibility of thunder, with up to 30mm of rainfall expected widely across both areas.

Gusts of 50-60mph have been recorded widely and we've already seen gusts of 72mph at Capel Curig in Wales.

In an update posted to X at 5am on Friday, the Met Office said: "Winds are now strengthening in many areas with the strongest winds occurring during the next few hours across northern England and north Wales

"Damaging gusts are possible in places so ensure you stay #WeatherAware."

Meanwhile, a Network Rail spokeswoman said it is closely monitoring the "potential impact" the storm might have on the rail network.

"We have teams on hand to put in appropriate measures, if necessary, to ensure that we can continue to run trains safely and as reliably as possible," she added.

The severe weather has already been felt outside the expected areas, with National Highways warning the M48 Severn Bridge in Gloucestershire has been closed in both directions between J1 (Aust) and J2 (Chepstow) due to strong winds.

Drivers have been advised to use the M4 Prince of Wales Bridge as an alternate route.

Merseyside Police also issued a warning to drivers on Friday morning.

Posting on X, the force said: "Its very windy out there due to #StormLilian so please take care if you are driving."

They also advised motorists to "slow down, avoid exposed stretches of motorway" and if possible, to delay travel.

Winds are expected to calm over the bank holiday weekend, although wet weather is set to continue.