UK weather: Storm Agnes to batter Brits with warnings for travel chaos after torrential rain and 80mph winds

STORM Agnes is set to batter Britain with torrential rain and 80mph winds causing travel chaos.

The Met Office yesterday issued severe weather alerts for the first named storm of the season, which runs from September to August next year.

They begin tomorrow and will remain in place for 48 hours.

Storm Agnes will move into western areas of the UK and Ireland on Wednesday, with the strongest winds most likely on Irish Sea coasts, though it will be a widely windy day across the UK.

Agnes will batter coastal areas but also deluge the north with up to 2.5 inches of rain expected.

The yellow weather alerts contain warnings of chaos on roads, rail and air.

Forecasters are warning of the potential for some damage to buildings from strong winds.

There is also a threat of power cuts for some.

Transport disruption is expected, with some roads and bridges likely to close.

Met Office Chief Meteorologist Steve Ramsdale said: "While the precise track and depth of Storm Agnes is still being determined, there’s a high likelihood of wind gusts around 50 to 60mph for some inland areas.

"Exposed coastal areas could see gusts of 65-75 mph with a small chance of a few places seeing around 80mph.

"As well as some very strong winds for many, Storm Agnes will also bring some heavy rain, with the highest totals more likely in Scotland, northern England, Wales and Northern Ireland.

"Around 60mm of rain is possible in a few places over high ground in Scotland."

Agnes is set to weaken later on Thursday as it moves further north in the UK.

Following that system, rain will move into southern areas late on Thursday and into Friday, with some heavy bursts possible for some areas of England and Wales.

More settled weather is expected for the weekend, though some showers could continue in northern and western areas for a time.