UK weather: Storm Antoni to hit Britain this weekend with yellow warnings for heavy rain and wild winds

STORM Antoni is set to hit Britain this weekend - with warnings for heavy rain and winds issued by the Met Office.

Brits have been told to brace for wild weather with two yellow alerts in place on Saturday.

Forecasters say Storm Antoni will bring unseasonably windy weather to southern parts of the UK on Saturday.

The Met Office said Storm Antoni could also bring winds of up to 50mph inland in parts of south Wales and southwest England where a warning is in place for August 5 from 8am until 8pm.

The warning says "injuries and danger to life from flying debris are possible".

The Met Office says Brits should prepare themselves for the chance that homes and businesses could be flooded, causing damage to some buildings.

There is also a chance of power cuts and loss of other services to some homes and businesses.

Meanwhile in Northern Ireland, a yellow rain warning is in place from midnight tonight until midday Saturday.

It says “unseasonably windy weather will lead to a risk of disruption to travel and outdoor activities”.

It means there is a good chance of longer journey times or cancellations as road, rail, air and ferry services are affected.

There is also a chance that some roads and bridges could close and power cuts may occur.

Meanwhile, there is a small chance of injuries from flying debris, and large waves and beach material being thrown onto sea fronts, coastal roads and properties.

It is the first storm named in the Met Office's 2022/23 season and comes just four weeks before the start of the new season when a new set of names will be announced.

Met Office Chief Meteorologist Steve Willington said: “Storm Antoni will bring some potentially disruptive weather on Saturday as it moves from west to east.

"Northern Ireland is likely to see some of the highest rainfall totals, with 40-60mm falling in some spots, but 20-30 more widely. Away from the warning area many will still see a very wet day, especially in north Wales and north England.

“Storm Antoni will also bring strong winds to a swathe of Wales, southwest England and southern coastal areas of England.

"The strongest winds will affect parts southwest England and southwest Wales where exposed coasts and high ground could see gusts in excess of 60mph.

"In these areas, gusts inland could reach 50-55mph for a time. These windy conditions will likely coincide with high tides which will present an additional challenge for coastal areas.

“Busy travel networks at this time of year and the possibility of people having made plans to be outside have resulted in the system meeting our criteria for naming, with a strong chance of disruption for those within the warning areas.”

However, it's not all bad news as things are set to improve on Sunday.

The forecast reads: “A brighter and calmer day on Sunday with a mix of sunshine and showers. 

“Further showers likely on Monday, especially in the north, before another spell of rain arrives Tuesday.”