Forecasters are warning of potential flooding and transport delays as strong winds and heavy rain are expected to hit parts of the UK on Thursday.

The Met Office has issued yellow weather warnings for some areas of Wales, southern and western England, Northern Ireland and southern Scotland.

Blustery winds and downpours could batter parts of Cardiff, Plymouth, Truro, Exeter, Portsmouth, Bath and Brighton from around 10am to 7pm.

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Some disruption to road, rail, air and ferry transport is also likely, with spray and flooding on roads likely to delay journeys.

The Met Office also warned that some homes and businesses could also be affected by flooding.

It predicts there could be 1mm to 22mm of rain with 40 to 50mph gusts inland, which could rise to 60 to 70mph on exposed coasts.

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“A brief spell of heavy rain and strong, gusty winds perhaps causing some transport disruption and flooding,” the Met Office said.

“A narrow band of rain, heavy at times and perhaps briefly intense, will move eastwards late on Thursday morning and into the afternoon, clearing Kent during the evening.

“Ten to 15mm is likely to fall in a one-to-two-hour period, with around 20mm in a few places.”

It continued: “With saturated ground, this is likely to lead to a fair amount of surface water on roads and flooding in one or two places.

“Strong winds will be an additional hazard with gusts of 40 to 50 mph inland and perhaps briefly 60 to 70mph along some exposed coasts, especially in Cornwall, Pembrokeshire, Gwynedd and Anglesey.”

Strong winds could also hit parts of Northern Ireland, including Belfast, Newry, Londonderry and Omagh from 8am to 2pm on Thursday.

Forecasters say some areas of southern Scotland such as Dumfries and Ayr are expected to be affected, with some transport disruption also likely.

They said some coastal routes, sea fronts and coastal communities could also be affected by spray and large waves.

The Met Office added: “A spell of strong southerly winds will develop during Thursday morning, with gusts of 40 to 50mph inland and perhaps briefly 60 to 70mph along some exposed coasts, accompanied by a short period of heavy rain.

“Winds easing from the west during the late morning and early afternoon.”

The Met Office’s forecast for the end of the week is showers easing on Friday, but with strong winds and rain moving in from the west through Saturday that will gradually clear from the northwest during Sunday.

It is expected to become mild this weekend.

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