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Dozens of flights have been cancelled as Storm Kathleen brings strong winds and potentially the warmest day of the year to parts of the UK.
About 70 flights departing and arriving at UK airports before midday were cancelled after the Met Office issued a yellow weather warning for wind.
Rail and ferry services have also been affected in Scotland.
Gusts of up to 70mph are expected in the UK and temperatures could rise 22C (71.6F) in eastern England.
This would beat the highest temperatures of the year so far, when the mercury hit 19.9C (67.8F) in north-west Scotland in January.
The most significant impacts of the storm will be felt by north-west and south-west of England and parts of Northern Ireland, Scotland and Wales.
The storm, the 11th named story in eight months, was named by the Irish met service, Met Éireann, because the Republic of Ireland will feel the storm most acutely.
While winds of 50-60mph are expected quite widely across the UK on Saturday, some Irish Sea coastal regions could see gusts of up to 70mph and large waves.
P&O Ferries have cancelled ferry services travelling between Larne in Northern Ireland and Cairnryan in Scotland.
The strong winds have also seen sports matches rearranged, with Saturday evening’s EPCR Challenge Cup rugby match between Edinburgh Rugby and Aviron Bayonnais moved to Scottish Gas Murrayfield from Hive Stadium.
Storm Kathleen is expected to ease by Sunday evening.
Met Office meteorologist Ellie Glaisyer said: “The storm is the reason we are seeing the warmer temperatures, because the location of the storm – situated out towards the west of the UK – is bringing a southerly wind across the UK.
“This is bringing those warmer temperatures from the continent, meaning we are likely to see temperatures reaching 22C.”
She added: “However, the further west you are, where those strongest winds are in that yellow warning area, despite the temperatures being above average it will feel a little colder.”
RAC Breakdown spokesman Rod Dennis said: “This intense period of stormy weather is going to prove extremely challenging for anyone driving on the western side of the UK.
“We strongly urge drivers to avoid exposed coasts and higher routes where the impact of the very strong winds is most likely to be felt.”
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1 September 2023