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UK braced for 'weather bomb' as Storm Brian moves in

Storm Ophelia hit Ireland and parts of Britain earlier this week (Getty Images)
Storm Ophelia hit Ireland and parts of Britain earlier this week (Getty Images)

The Government has warned people not to put themselves in danger taking ‘storm selfies’, as Storm Brian looks set to batter Britain this weekend.

The weather front is expected to batter the UK coast days after Storm Ophelia wreaked destruction.

Heavy rain and gusts of 50mph are expected widely across southern England and the west of Wales on Saturday, and winds could reach 70mph in exposed areas.

The wild conditions, caused by a “weather bomb” over the Atlantic Ocean, may cause coastal flooding and affect transport, the Met Office said.

Alison Baptiste, National flood duty manager for the Environment Agency, said: ‘We urge people to stay safe along the coast and warn against putting yourself in unnecessary danger by taking ‘storm selfies’ or driving through flood water – just 30cm is enough to move your car.

‘Strong winds along the south coast on Friday and into Saturday will coincide with high tides. This is likely to cause large waves and spray which could lead to some minor coastal flooding on the south coast.’

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Weather warnings are in place this weekend
Weather warnings are in place this weekend

Met Office spokesman Grahame Madge said: “Dramatic waves could pose a threat to life and there will be quite hazardous conditions along the seafront.”

He warned thrillseekers not to risk their safety by posing for “storm selfies” along the coast.

A yellow weather warning for wind has been issued in affected areas, valid from 4am to midnight on Saturday.

Wide parts of the country could see between 15mm and 25mm of rainfall, with deluges of up to 60mm in isolated areas.

Northern Ireland, one of the areas worst affected by Storm Ophelia, is also braced for further disruption when a band of rain moves in from the west on Thursday.

A yellow weather warning for rain has been issued across the region, valid from 3pm to midnight.