FORECASTERS have warned of high wind speeds as the latest storm to hit the UK begins to impact the North West.

Storm Freya is expected to cause travel disruption and could endanger lives if heavy winds cause flying debris.

South-westerly winds will strengthen through Sunday afternoon, with gusts of 55-65 mph expected - rising to 70-80mph around coastal areas.

Met Office deputy chief meteorologist, Jason Kelly, said: “Storm Freya undergoes rapid cyclogenesis late Saturday and early Sunday as it moves across the eastern Atlantic Ocean towards the British Isles, this means the area of low pressure will deepen quickly as it moves towards us.

“This is a developing situation and the track of Freya’s strongest winds could change over the next few days, so we are advising people to keep an eye on the latest forecast and warnings from the Met Office."

He added: “Where winds are strongest we can expect significant disruption to travel, with damage to buildings and trees likely. It’ll be especially dangerous near coastal areas due to the wind whipping up large waves.”

Hour-by-hour wind forecast

Saturday:

9pm- Wind speed of 12mph with Gusts of 28mph

Midnight- Wind speed of 10mph with Gusts of 25mph

Sunday:

3am- Wind speed of 9mph with Gusts of 22mph

6am- Wind speed of 9mph with Gusts of 21mph

9am- Wind speed of 8mph with Gusts of 18mph

Noon- Wind speed of 7mph with Gusts of 13mph

3pm- Wind speed of 6mph with Gusts of 14mph

6pm- Wind speed of 14mph with Gusts of 32mph

9pm- Wind speed of 16mph with Gusts of 34mph

Midnight- Wind speed of 18mph with Gusts of 38mph