GALE-force winds are set to batter the UK as the Met Office warns of snow and plunging temperatures.
The forecaster has issued two yellow weather warnings with travel disruption likely for parts of the UK before the wintry weather returns
Severe gales swept into northern and western Scotland overnight with a yellow wind warning currently in place and gusts of up to 80mph.
Strong winds will then be expected throughout Thursday in parts of Scotland but largely in northern England, north Wales and the Midlands.
A yellow warning for wind is in place from 5am until 8pm and is expected to be accompanied by heavy rain.
An active weather front will sweep south-eastwards across the UK with gusts of 50-55mph in affected areas.
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Some coastal locations could see speeds of 60-70mph but winds are expected to ease from the north as the day progresses.
The Met Office forecasts some delays to public transport including train services with journeys likely to take longer.
There could also a short-term loss of power in some areas.
Northern Ireland has also been issued a yellow wind warning for Thursday morning until midday.
Gusts could reach 50-60mph with a spell of heavy rain leading to difficult travel conditions.
Later in the week, temperatures are set to plunge across the nation from Friday.
Some areas may even see snowfall as winds are dragged in from the Arctic with coverage largely expected on higher ground in Scotland, Northern Ireland and the north of England.
There may also be some flurries in South Wales and south west England with hail showers and bracing temperatures likely.
The Met Office said the weather will be “rather cold on Friday with a mix of sunny spells and showers”.
While Saturday will be drier before “further wind and rain moves across the UK on Sunday” as temperatures gradually recover.
Temperatures are expected to average out at the beginning of next week with weather “mostly changeable” with possible rainfall and strong winds in the west or northwest.
Jason Kelly, Chief Operational Meteorologist for the Met Office said on Tuesday: “A notable shift in wind direction to a north-westerly flow will bring a markedly colder day nationwide on Friday, with the potential for a mixture of sunny spells, heavy showers, coastal gales, and snow over high ground.
“There’s also the possibility of accumulations on lower hills too.
“The picture will become clearer closer to the time, so keep an eye on our forecast as the week progresses.”
Earlier this year Storm Goretti hit the UK with damaging 99mph wind gusts and heavy snow leaving nearly 70,000 homes without power.
Brits on the south west coast were battered by fierce gales and torrential rain while those in the Midlands were hit with snow.
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