Storm Ciara is about to hit the UK (Picture: PA/Windy.com)

The third storm of the season has officially just been named as Storm Ciara by the Met Office.

Forecasters said winds of up to 90mph will batter the UK this weekend and there are warnings of major travel disruption on roads and railways.

The Met Office has issued a yellow weather warning covering the entirety of England, Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland from 6pm on Saturday and throughout Sunday.

Officials said that ‘very strong winds’ could bring disruption to transport and there is a chance of power cuts and problems with mobile phone coverage.


People have also been warned about the potential for falling trees, flying debris and have been told to secure garden furniture.

Storm Ciara is moving across the Atlantic (Picture: Windy.com)

Every part of the UK will be hit with heavy rain and strong winds (Picture: Getty)

There will be major waves in coastal areas this weekend (Picture: Getty)

Storm Ciara will be heading in from the Atlantic over the next few days, hitting late on Saturday afternoon.



Over the weekend many inland areas will experience gusts of 60mph but coastal areas and exposed hills could see wind speeds of 80 knots – 92mph.

Met Office spokesman Grahame Madge said: ‘The weather will change markedly and abruptly as we head into the weekend.’

He said there would be widespread gales, heavy rain and storms adding: ‘That will bring a level of disruption.

‘There could be some damage to buildings with loose tiles falling off and it is likely to affect the transport network.

‘There could be some bridge and road closures and we could see power cuts and problems with mobile phone networks.

‘We would urge people to be alert to the impact of the weather conditions and if they have loose garden furniture now might be the time to secure it.’

Students brave high winds and rain on Blackpool promenade (Picture: Getty)

There will be heavy spray from the sea this weekend (Picture: PA)

The entire UK is under a yellow weather warning for Saturday evening and Sunday (Picture: Met Office)

The Met Office said it had been a dry start to the week for many with some sunny spells and fog patches.

But a weather system from Canada and northern parts of the USA is moving in and the UK weather will become more unsettled as we head towards the weekend.

The north and the west are likely to be the worst affected as Storm Ciara makes landfall but the entire UK is expected to experience major gusts and heavy rain.

The storm will move away towards northern Europe on Sunday evening but next week is also likely to be very unsettled.

Mr Madge added: ‘Although still a long way off in forecast terms, there are signals the unsettled weather arriving this weekend could also continue into next week.’