Gusts of wind will widely reach 60-70mph, and perhaps 80mph in exposed locations.

Winds of this strength will blow some trees over, bringing a significant risk of transport disruption and there may also be some power cuts.

Some buildings could potentially be damaged by the strongest winds, leading to a risk of flying debris at the height of the storm.

Yellow wind warnings cover most of England and Wales with gusts of wind on Friday forecast to reach 45-60mph, with 70mph gusts likely in some places.

As strong as these winds are, the most damaging winds will run to the south of the low pressure centre.

That puts north-west France firmly in the firing line and parts of Brittany could see gusts close to 90mph.

The Channel Islands are also expecting severe gales with gusts up to 80mph.

All schools have been told to close on Friday because of the high winds predicted to be caused by Storm Austen, the Government of Jersey has said.

Heavy rain in Scotland may cause some localised flooding with a Met Office…