Forecasters have issued an urgent warning that Storm Ali could pose a danger to life when it bears down on the UK this week.

Dangerous flying debris and travel cancellations are expected as the weather front brings harsh gales of up to 80mph.

A Met Office spokesperson told HuffPost UK both yellow and amber severe weather warnings have been issued for the north of England, Scotland and Northern Ireland, ahead of the storm’s arrival in the early hours of Wednesday.

Journeys by road, rail and air are likely to see disruption and the conditions could also damage buildings, lead to power cuts and fallen trees.

Storm Helene, which was downgraded after initial warnings it may pose a risk to life, is moving away towards the north east and will have passed over the UK by Wednesday.