The Atlantic hurricane set to hit the UK with 80mph gusts of wind will pose a “danger to life” on the anniversary of the Great Storm of 1987, the Met Office has warned.

Forecasters are keeping a close eye on the arrival of tropical storm Ophelia, which is set to strike western and northern areas of England, southern Scotland and Northern Ireland on Monday. Meanwhile, southern and eastern parts of England look set to bask in warm Autumn sunshine.

The disruption will invoke memories of the Great Storm of 1987 on the 30th anniversary of the extreme weather event that resulted in the loss of 22 lives.

More than 1,000 troops are on standby to deal with any trails of destruction left behind by the ex-hurricane, which strengthened to a category three storm on Saturday prompting the Met Office to issue severe weather alerts.

Those living in affected areas are being advised to “tie down garden furniture” and be wary of flying debris, with traffic chaos and power cuts also expected.