SOMERSET is bracing itself for strong winds as the ex-Ophelia hurricane strikes UK shores.

The Met Office is warning of strong winds in association with Ophelia - despite the storm being downgraded from a hurricane - particularly towards the coast, bringing travel disruption and big waves.

A forecaster said: "The southerly winds will strengthen through the day, particularly over the hills and towards coasts with damaging wind gusts.

"These are likely to bring travel disruption and lead to big waves."

Temperatures would remain unseasonably high, he added, reaching around 19C.


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The strong winds would begin to subside during the evening and overnight, the forecaster said.

"It will remain dry overnight as winds gradually begin to ease through the early hours," he said.

"Clear spells will develop but temperatures should hold up into double digits. Minimum temperature, 13C."

Fears about the impact of strong winds have seen troops placed on standby and many public services in Ireland closed with schools, government buildings and courts among the services affected.

Remnants of Ophelia will reach home shores exactly 30 years after the Great Storm of 1987 killed 18 people.

Forecasters are warning of flying debris, such as tiles blown from roofs, as well as large waves around coastal districts with beach material being thrown on to coastal roads, sea fronts and properties.

"This leads to the potential for injuries and danger to life," the Met Office said.

Met Office chief forecaster Steve Ramsdale added: “By the time Ophelia reaches our latitudes, she will be weakening and will be an ex-hurricane.

"However, Ex-Ophelia will be bringing some significant impacts to Northern Ireland and western and northern Britain on Monday and Tuesday.

"On the basis of the latest information we have issued an Amber wind warning for Northern Ireland for the most intense period of winds between 3pm and 10pm on Monday.

"During this period we can expect wind gusts in excess of 60 mph with a chance of 80 mph gusts for the southeast of Northern Ireland

“Yellow wind warnings, which were first issued on Thursday, cover Northern Ireland and western and northern Britain from noon on Monday until midnight.

"While on Tuesday a separate Yellow wind warning has been issued from a period extending until 3pm on Tuesday for Northern Ireland, northern England and the southern half of Scotland.”

The rest of the UK will see breezy conditions during this time, but wind gusts are not expected to bring widespread disruption.