Thursday gales - Wind warnings as heavy rain approaches

Weather warnings are live as gale-force winds spread across the UK and Ireland on Thursday, with heavy rain sweeping in through the day too.

In the UK, gusts reach up to 50 mph for north-east and south-west England, possibly reaching up to 70 mph locally, at and around higher altitudes.

For Ireland, gusts are slightly stronger, especially around coastal areas with peaks of 90 - 100 km/h (55 - 60 mph) widely felt, losing power inland.

Rain also moves through during the day, initially over Ireland and Scotland from the morning before heading south-east through England and Wales.

This moves away from the north though the day as winds also ease a little. For higher altitudes in Scotland and northern England, wintry snow showers are possible.