The met Office has issued a yellow weather warning for severe gales.

Strong to gale force southwesterly winds veering to a gale force westerly later on Wednesday afternoon, and reaching severe gale force at times into the evening, gusts 60 to 65mph, giving the risk of some travel delays or disruption and possibly causing minor damage in places with the risk of trees or branches falling onto some roads &/or overhead conductors.

The gales abating overnight, becoming less windy during Thursday but strong to gale force winds returning overnight into Friday morning & then likely to increase to severe gale force for a while on Friday. A further warning will be issued nearer that time.

The forecast:

Dry at first this morning, but outbreaks of rain will arrive mid-morning, heavy at times, clearing to showers mid to late afternoon as strong to gale force southwest winds veer westerly and increase to reach severe gale force for a time this evening with gusts of 60-65mph and some damage. Top temperature 12°C.

Bright spells and isolated wintry showers on Thursday. Strong westerly winds will gradually decrease, before heavy rain develops overnight as the winds increase strong to gale force again. Temperatures 5 or 6°C

Rain at first on Friday will turn to snow over higher ground before clearing around lunchtime, followed by isolated snow showers. Severe gale north to northwest winds will gradually back westerly and ease slightly in the afternoon.