The RNLI is warning people to be careful around the coast (Picture: Dan Kitwood/Getty Images)
Weather warnings have been issued across the UK, with people along the east and south coasts told to prepare for flooding as Storm Babet bears down.
The Met Office has said certain parts of the country could experience 70mph winds along with heavy rain, resulting in serious travel disruption.
A serious Status Orange rain warning was in place for the south coast of the Republic of Ireland overnight, signalling what may be in store for the UK over the next few days.
Storm Babet, which formed to the west of the Iberian peninsula, was named by the Met Office on Monday.
It will track a course north-east through to the weekend, with eastern Scotland bearing the most significant brunt.
An amber warning for rain is in place for a section of the country including Perth, Dundee and Aberdeen between 6am tomorrow and 6pm on Friday.
Forecasters say up to 150-200mm of rain could accumulate in some areas of higher ground there, roughly the amount usually expected across the entire month of October in Scotland.
Meanwhile, flood warnings have been issued this morning for Scarborough and Bridlington on the Yorkshire coast, joining a separate one for Swanage Bay in Dorset that was issued yesterday evening.
There are also less severe flood alerts for much of the Scottish east coast and other parts of the English east and south coasts.
Met Office deputy chief meteorologist Tony Wardle said: ‘Storm Babet will bring disruption for parts of the UK in the coming days, with heavy rain and strong winds likely for many.
‘Heavy and persistent rain will fall onto already saturated ground bringing a risk of flooding. It is important to stay up to date with warnings from your local flood warning agency as well as the local authorities.’
The weather warning map for the UK will continue to change over the coming days (Picture: Met Office/Metro.co.uk)
An amber alert will be in force for a section of eastern Scotland through Thursday and Friday (Picture: Met Office/Metro.co.uk)
He added: ‘As well as heavy rain, Storm Babet will bring some very strong winds and large waves near some eastern coasts too. Gusts around 70mph are possible in eastern and northern Scotland from Thursday.
‘Met Office warnings will continue to be reviewed as the forecast develops.’
The RNLI has also warned people to be careful if they are visiting the coast in the UK or Ireland this week due to the forecast strong winds and heavy rain.
Sam Hughes, a water safety partner at the charity, said: ‘The RNLI advises staying a safe distance away from the water and cliff edges as the conditions could knock you off your feet or wash you into the sea. It is not worth risking your life.’
Much of the UK will be covered with Met Office rain warnings over the coming days.
