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UK weather – Warning Storm Agnes could ‘blow you off your feet’ with 80mph hurricane-strength winds
BRITS are set to be battered by 80mph winds which could "blow you off your feet" - as Storm Agnes continues to wreak havoc.
Strong gales of up to 70mph have already been clocked as parts of the UK and Ireland approach the hurricane threshold.
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The Met Office defines a hurricane as "sustained winds near the surface of at least 74mph circulating either anti-clockwise or clockwise".
Overpowering winds could endanger millions of Britons who fall within a "danger to life" yellow alert issued earlier this week.
The weather service also urged Brits to beware of flying debris and falling trees.
While the RNLI warned people to avoid the coast during stormy conditions
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A spokesperson added: "The RNLI advises staying a safe distance away from the water and cliff edges as the conditions could knock you off your feet or wash you into the sea.
"It is not worth risking your life."
The first named storm of the season made landfall on the west coast of Ireland on Wednesday before its strong winds hit the UK closer to midday.
A string of Met Office alerts will activate, with a yellow wind weather warning from today to 7am on Thursday stretching across a large area of the UK.
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There are also two yellow rain warnings covering areas of Scotland from 3pm on Wednesday to midnight.
While a fourth yellow weather warning for heavy rain across Northern Ireland is in place until 8pm today.
Storm Agnes was described as "intensifying quickly" in the Atlantic during Tuesday evening.
It is expected to generate winds of up to 80mph and cause dangerous conditions along coastlines, especially Irish Sea coastlines.
Its main impact will be strong winds and large waves.
The Met Office also confirmed that it was possible the UK could see "the formation of small scale tornado systems".
Nicola Maxey said: "There is enough wind shear and energy in the low pressure system (Storm Agnes) as it crosses Ireland.
"Tornadoes are not unusual in UK, we see around 30 or so a year.
"However, unlike in the USA, these are typically small and short-lived, perhaps just a few feet across and often lasting just a few minutes, but they can cause some structural damage if they pass over built-up areas."
Met Office meteorologist Tom Morgan added: "We are likely to potentially see some damaging winds, the possibility of some brief power interruptions, particularly in Irish sea coastal areas."
He continued: "In addition to the winds, there's going to be some large waves as well, so some big stormy seas, and therefore there might well be some coastal flooding where the waves break on to promenades and on to coastal roads."
The wind warning highlights the chance of some damage to building from strong winds, as well as the possibility of power cuts for some.
Transport disruption is also likely, with some roads and bridges likely to close.
Steve Basterfield, National Network Manager at National Highways, said: "With the stormy weather being forecast, it is important to plan ahead for your journey, and if weather conditions become challenging, adjust your driving behaviour and take extra care.
"We have a section of our website dedicated to travelling amid storms, high winds and gales, and considerations for different types of vehicle, as part of our guide to travelling in severe weather.
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"It's also a good idea for people to check their vehicles, such as tyres, coolant and oil levels, before heading out to reduce the risk of breakdowns."
On Thursday, most parts of the UK will be poised for a "much calmer" forecast and further spells of wet and breezy weather should peter out by the end of the week for a drier weekend.
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