Met Office map shows where and when Storm Ashley will batter UK in 15 hour warning

The Met Office has issued an amber 'danger to life' warning as Storm Ashley is set to batter the UK with 80mph winds this weekend, causing power cuts and travel chaos

Brits are set to face a gruelling 15-hour amber wind warning as Storm Ashley gears up to lash parts of the UK this weekend. The country has seen a real mix of weather this month, with bouts of heavy rain and bursts of glorious sunshine.

However, the Met Office has now flagged a serious 'danger to life' risk with an amber alert for western Scotland from 9am Sunday until 11.59pm. Storm Ashley is expected to whip up strong winds across the region on both Sunday and Monday.

According to the Met Office: "Parts of western Scotland are likely to see gusts of 70-80mph at times on Sunday afternoon, before winds ease through the evening and overnight.

READ MORE: Flood alerts and travel chaos warnings as Storm Ashley to batter Britain

"The winds coincide with high spring tides and large waves which may lead to a greater risk of disruption along coasts." Locals have been advised to take steps to protect their property and loved ones from harm. The Met Office suggests checking for any loose items outside homes and making plans to secure them, reports the Mirror.

Key items to watch out for include bins, garden furniture, trampolines, tents, sheds, and fences. With the amber wind warning in place, the Met Office warns there's a significant chance of power cuts, which could also impact mobile phone coverage.

Disruption looms as Storm Ashley is set to bring widespread travel chaos over the weekend, with Scotland possibly facing the brunt of it. Severe wind warnings have been issued for all of Scotland, parts of Wales, Northern Ireland, and Cumbria starting this Sunday, continuing until Monday morning for northern Scotland.

Travel delays, cancellations, and potential road and bridge closures are likely.

Ashleigh Robson, Head of Transport Resilience at Transport Scotland, warned: "Storm Ashley is set to bring widespread disruption for travel on Sunday and into Monday. Passengers should certainly check with their operator, and with some families off enjoying the October school holidays, we would advise them to play close attention to any cross-border travel updates too."

"The Multi Agency Response Team will be in position to take decisions, oversee the network, and advise the public and update Ministers over the weekend as the storm sweeps into parts of Scotland."

"The strong winds may cause particular difficulties for HGVs and we would urge drivers to take note of the conditions, debris on the roads and trees falling onto some roads is a strong possibility. The forecasted rain will make visibility difficult when driving and could result in some localised flooding."

"Disruption on ferry services is very likely, rail services and flights may also be impacted. Please check with your transport operator for the latest information."

"The decision to cancel services is never taken lightly, but safety of passengers has to be the priority. Please plan ahead."