STORM Otto has lashed Britain with strong winds today amid yellow weather warnings and a “danger to life” alert.
The Met Office has told Brits to brace for 80mph winds expected to hit Scotland and the north east of England.
Fierce gales have started whipping Brits in London this morning
The Met Office has two yellow wind warnings in place for much of the day
A brave swimmer was battered by gales on Tynemouth Beach, North Tyneside, this morning
Forecasters put two yellow weather warnings in place until this afternoon as a low-pressure system named Storm Otto moves across the UK.
Meteorologists at the Met Office said the storm could bring “very strong winds” across the northern part of England, and much of the east coast down to Manchester.
A Met Office forecaster said: “Injuries and danger to life from flying debris are possible.
“Some damage to buildings, such as tiles blown from roofs, could happen.
“Road, rail, air and ferry services may be affected, with longer journey times and cancellations possible. High-sided vehicles may be particularly prone in this set-up.
The Met Office said “some roads and bridges may close”.
They continued: “Power cuts may occur, with the potential to affect other services, such as mobile phone coverage.”
The same cautions were in place for Scotland, with the Met Office also warning: “Injuries and danger to life could occur from large waves and beach material being thrown onto sea fronts, coastal roads and properties.”
They added: “The strongest winds will be in the north with gusts of 80 mph possible for northeast Scotland.”
Storm Otto was named by the Danish Meteorological Institute as Denmark is expected to bear the brunt of the storm.
Met Office Chief Meteorologist Andy Page said yesterday: “Storm Otto will bring high winds and rain to the UK, with some northern parts of Scotland and the northeast of England likely to get the strongest gusts of wind, possibly in excess of 75mph.
“Warnings have been issued and could be updated as Storm Otto develops.
“There’s a chance of travel disruption and high-sided vehicles could be particularly prone to disrupted plans in this set-up.
“There’s associated rain with Storm Otto, with 40-50 mm of rain likely to fall over parts of western Scotland.”
A dog walker and their pooch were also lashed by morning winds at Tynemouth Beach
