Storm Debi set to batter UK with gale force winds and heavy rains 

Storm Debi is set to batter the UK later today, with the country preparing for gale-force winds and heavy rain. 

The storm will reach northern England and parts of north Wales in the morning, with gusts of up to 80mph possible along coastal areas. 

There is also a possible danger to life from flying debris and large waves. 

Debi is set to bring flooding, travel delays and power cuts to many parts of the UK. 

The storm developed in the Republic of Ireland, where red weather warnings are in place and are set to sweep over the UK. 

The Met Office has issued an amber warning in south-west Northern Ireland from 06:00 GMT to midday. The rest of Northern Ireland is covered by a yellow warning for rain and wind until 14:00.

Yellow weather warnings for wind are also in place from 04:00 until 18:00 for much of northern England and Wales, in areas including Manchester, Sheffield, Liverpool, Bangor and St Davids.

A warning for rain between 10:00 and 21:00 has also been issued for parts of north-east Scotland, including Brechin in Angus, where hundreds of homes had to be evacuated after the river South Esk breached its banks.