Weather warnings have been issued for millions of Brits amid a yellow alert for a 70mph wind and rain storm.

The Met Office issued a yellow wind warning for all of Scotland, Northern Ireland, the North of England, Wales and the West Midlands. Blustery winds of up to 70mph will rip through the country from 6am on Sunday with the yellow alert continuing until 6pm that evening with the exception of Northern Ireland which ranges from 3am to 3pm.

Forecasters said south-westerly winds were expected to increase through Sunday morning and will peak in the late morning or afternoon with gusts of between 50-60pmh, with as much as 70mph in exposed areas along the Irish Sea coastline as well as the Scottish islands. Rain will batter Brits in pockets across the UK, making for poor conditions, especially on roads.

Met Office meteorologist Alex Deakin said low pressure will head toward the UK over the coming days that will bring strong winds and rainfall to much of the country.

“This low pressure system is going to pep up as it heads its way between the UK and Iceland,” Mr Deakin said. “But these weather fronts moving in across the UK and look at them squeezing together the isobars that tells us it’s going to be windy.

“So, we’ve got warnings in place for the wind and for further rainfall because the ground has now been wetted up by the rainfall over recent days and to come today. There could be further issues from the wind and the rain on Sunday.”

People living close to the coast have been told to be aware of large waves. “Even from the shore large breaking waves can sweep you off your feet and out to sea,” the Met Office said.

“Take care if walking near cliffs; know your route and keep dogs on a lead. In an emergency, call 999 and ask for the Coastguard. Be prepared for weather warnings to change quickly”

Yellow rain warnings were also issued for southern Wales, much of Cornwall from 9am to 9pm and for southwestern Scotland from 7am to 3pm. People living in those areas have been told to expect delays to their bus and train journeys as well as some interruption to power supplies and other services.

Moving into next week, conditions will become drier on Monday and Tuesday with “sunny spells and showers.” These are expected to be heavy locally and slow to clear at times, although conditions will remain mild.

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