Swathes of the UK are set for a wild and windy night as the Met Office issued warnings for much of the west of the country on Monday night.

Rain and strong winds are forecast across parts of Northern Ireland, Wales and southwest England between 6pm and midnight.

Travel disruption is expected as the Met Office predicts a “short period of very strong winds” with gusts of 50-60 mph, perhaps hitting as high as 70mph in coastal areas.

It added that a “short period of very heavy rain and squally winds” is “likely to cause some disruption, with some delays to road, rail, air and ferry transport considered likely”.

Train and bus services will also “probably” be affected with journey times taking longer, thanks to spray and temporary flooding on roads.

Some short term loss of power and other services is also possible with a chance of hail and lightning in a few places.

The Environment Agency issued five flood warnings on Monday for Alfriston, Barcombe Mills and Hellingly and Horsebridge, in East Sussex and for Mock Bridge, near Shermanbury, West Sussex, on the River Adur.

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It warns Whitwell, Wroxall, Langbridge and Alverstone on the river Eastern Yar in the Isle of Wight are at risk of flooding.

A second yellow warning for rain was issued from 3pm until midnight for southwest Scotland, Lothian Borders and Strathclyde.

The areas expected to be affected are Dumfries and Galloway, Scottish Borders, East Ayrshire, South Ayrshire and South Lanarkshire.

Alexander Burkill, senior operational meteorologist at the Met Office, said: “Two warnings have been issued, one for rain across parts of southwest Scotland due to totals building up later today.

“The second warning covers southwest England, much of Wales and parts of Northern Ireland.

“This is due to a squally band of rain that will bring very strong winds and intense rainfall.

“Rates of 20mm in an hour are possible with gusts of 50 to 60mph, perhaps 70mph in exposed spots.

“The band should move through fairly quickly but some impacts are still likely during the first part of the night due to the intense rain and winds.”

The bad weather is expected to ease overnight with no warning so far issued for the rest of the week.

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