Met Office warns to 'be aware' as autumn weather will take a turn for the worse

Following a scorching September, the Met Office says UK should expect high winds, heavy rains, and even flooding in some areas.

18:05 03 October 2014

After a dry and uncharacteristically warm September, UK has been warned to expect very wet and windy autumn. The Met Office issued warnings of gales of up to 70mph and as much as 60mm of rain in some areas for the start of the weekend. Scotland has been issued a “yellow” alert.

A yellow warning was also issued with “heavy and persistent” downpours in parts of Northern Ireland, Wales, northern England, and southern Scotland as the weekend begins.

"Although such wind speeds are not unusual across these areas of Scotland, the contrast with the recent quiet weather means that a few minor impacts may occur," the forecaster said.

Darron Burness, head of the AA's flood rescue team, also warned of the risk of flash floors in a statement quoted by Sky News: "While river catchments may well be able to take this volume of water after the very dry September, a lot may fall within 12 to 24 hours, so flash flooding is likely to be the main issue for drivers in the affected areas.

"Be wary of places where water may accumulate; for instance, dips in the road and under bridges."