Severe gales set to batter the UK

12/09/11

By Stephanie Gonzalez

High winds could bring down trees and cause structural damage across Scotland, Northern Ireland and areas of northern England, forecasters have warned.

Gales of up to 80mph and heavy downpours are expected to hit the UK as the stormy remnants of Hurricane Katia race across the Atlantic, MeteoGroup said.

Coastal areas are expected to bear the brunt of the storms, with flood warnings likely to be issued in those areas, the Environment Agency said.

Derwent Water in Cumbria is already on flood alert due to high water levels at the lake, and it has been joined on the flood alert list by the River Ely in Wales.

If you are concerned about potential flooding in your area, free flood warnings are available at www.environment-agency.gov.uk or by calling 0845 988 1188 or 0845 602 6340.