Storm Lillian is set to sweep across the UK on Friday morning with weather warnings being put in place for high winds and heavy rainfall

By Lucy Ashton

The Met Office has named the latest storm that’s set to bring grim conditions to Scotland and wider Britain. It’s been advised that the stormy conditions will bring strong winds which could lead to disruption to travel and infrastructure across southern Scotland, north-east England and Wales on Friday .

Weather women Carol Kirkwood (above) and Lucy Verasamy (right) have been broadcasting all day that a yellow wind warning has been put in place in much of the UK between 05am until 11am on Friday morning. In addition, an alert for rain is also in place for parts of the country on the same day.

Met Office Chief Meteorologist Jason Kelly said: “Storm Lilian will bring some potentially damaging gusts during Friday morning, with gusts widely in the 50-60mph range, with the possibility of some gusts in excess of 75mph in a few places.

“There’s associated rainfall with Lilian that has also resulted in a Met Office warning for parts of Scotland. Within the warning area, another 50mm of rain is possible over high ground, with 20-30mm falling quite widely. Much of this is falling on saturated ground so increases the chance of some surface water flooding.”

**Friday’s wind and rain weather warnings across the UK (Image: Met Office)**

Strong winds are expected to move east across southern Scotland tomorrow morning with gusts predicted to be between the 50-65mph range, although it’s been warned they could reach up to 80mph, covering Dumfries and Galloway.

The Met Office has warned that road and bridges closures as well as public transport cancellations are likely. Power cuts, damage to buildings and injuries from large waves and beach material being thrown onto coastal roads and properties is also possible.

As well as high gusts of wind, some heavy rainfall will also add to the treacherous conditions.

The Met Office has issued a further yellow weather warning for rain across parts of Scotland tonight on Thursday (August 22) into Friday (August 23) which is likely to result in flooding. Affected areas include Dumfries and Galloway and the Scottish borders, Aberdeenshire and Angus.

The warning has been put in place from 9pm on Thursday (August 22) into 09am on the morning of Friday (August 23). The Met Office reports that an area of rain will spread north east into south west Scotland throughout Thursday night, affecting north eastern areas of Scotland early on Friday morning.

By mid morning, it should have cleared away east into the North sea. In the coming hours, 20-30mm is expected to fall over the duration of six hours across the south west with some thunder accompanying it.

Over high ground there is a chance of 40-50mm over the whole period. Strong west or northwest winds are likely around the Solway coast. The Aberdeenshire and Angus coastal areas may see up to 20-30 mm of rain in 6-9 hours, accompanied by high tides and some coastal surge, possibly leading to some flooding during Friday morning.

What should I do?

If either of the yellow weather warnings affect your area, it’s important to be prepared for worst case scenarios.

For those bracing for the high winds, ensure there are no loose items outside your home that could cause injury to your property or other people. These include bins, garden furniture, trampolines, tents, sheds, and fences which should all be secured.

If you are on the coast, stay safe during stormy weather by being vigilant of large waves which can be highly dangerous. Take care when walking near cliff edges, stick to a route you know and keep your dogs on a lead. Even from the shore large breaking waves can sweep you off your feet and out to sea. In an emergency, call 999 and ask for the Coastguard.

It’s been advised there is a high chance of flooding in Scotland with those impacted urged to check if their homes are at risk. If so, it’s been advised to prepare a flood plan and an emergency flood kit.