Weather Warning Increased To 'Amber'

A weather warning for Northern Ireland has been increased to 'amber' ahead of expected strong gale force winds along the north and western coast in the early hours of Wednesday morning, the Met Office has said.

Westerly winds will reach 70 to 80 mph at times and will be combined with exceptionally high waves. The public has been advised to prepare for dangerous conditions, especially along causeways and coastal roads exposed to the west.

The Chief Forecaster said: "Very strong winds are likely to affect northern and central parts of the UK from early Wednesday and last through until early Thursday as a very deep low pressure system moves slowly eastwards between Scotland and Iceland. There remains some uncertainty in the precise depth of this low and therefore in the exact wind strengths and timings.

"However a period of severe gales is likely over northern and central Britain, as well as the potential for storm force winds over the Amber area. Very large swell generated over the Atlantic to the south of the very deep depression will lead to exceptionally large waves affecting west coasts."

(IT/JP)