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Storm Helene has hit Britain with fierce winds of up to 80mph and heavy rain and forecasters are warning of 'danger to life' when a second storm, Ali, arrives tomorrow.

The sunny spell which saw Brits bask in 25C yesterday has quickly given way to grey skies after the remnants of the storm rolled in from the west coast overnight.

Cornwall has taken the brunt of the bad weather so far, with residents taking to social media to report strong gusts on Tuesday morning.

The Met Office warned that commuters could face travel disruption as a result of strong winds and heavy rain, particularly across Scotland and northern England.

London remained warm but drizzly on Tuesday with forecasts suggesting the capital could be hit with rain showers over the next two days.

The stormy weather is set to worsen across the country on Wednesday and Thursday as a new weather front named Storm Ali batters northern parts of the UK.

A warning is in place for Scotland and northern England on Wednesday, which states road, rail and ferry services may be affected as well as possible damage to buildings.

By Thursday, heavy rain is expected, especially in western parts of Wales and the north-west of England.

Disruption to transport, falling trees, power cuts and even danger to life from flying debris are all possible.

Laura Ellam, deputy meteorologist with the Met Office, said: "Throughout this week we are expecting to see periods of strong winds across parts of the UK, as well as some heavy rain.

"Some very strong winds are possible in the northern half of the UK on Wednesday, then on Thursday areas further south could see a spell of persistent rain.

"The timing and development of both these systems remains uncertain, however, so please keep up to date with the warnings and forecasts."