The first named storm of the season is expected to explode over Britain bringing in a dangerous vortex of 80mph winds and heavy rain.
Storm Ashley could cause ‘injuries and danger to life’ due to exceptionally strong gusts set to lash the UK in the coming hours.
The Met Office has issued an amber weather warning for the north-west of Scotland on Sunday, as well as a yellow warning for the entirety of Scotland and Northern Ireland, and parts of north-west England and Wales.
The amber warning will be in force from 9am on Sunday until midnight, and the yellow between 3am and midnight. Gusts of 80mph could hit north-west Scotland.
The Met Office said: “Injuries and danger to life is likely from large waves and beach material being thrown onto coastal roads, sea fronts and properties.”
The weather body added there was “a good chance” of power cuts in that area which could affect mobile phone coverage and buildings will probably be damaged, such as by tiles blowing off roofs.
Disruption or cancellations to road, rail, air and ferry services are likely, as well as road and bridge closures.
Met Office meteorologist Aidan McGivern said: “It (Storm Ashley) deepens rapidly as it gets picked up by the jet stream during Saturday and ends up as a particularly deep area of low pressure, with a widespread swathe of gales and wind gusts in excess of 60mph for many western and northern parts of the country.”
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