A deepening area of low pressure is expected to cross the UK on Tuesday night into Wednesday morning bringing a spell of very strong winds and heavy rain and yellow warnings are in place.

Met Office Deputy Meteorologist Chris Tubbs said “ There are no links between the very strong winds we expect to see here in the UK and the hurricanes affecting the United States and the Caribbean at present.   This system originated well north in the Atlantic Ocean, independent of the current Caribbean hurricanes. It is a fairly typical autumnal low pressure system often seen here in the UK especially later in Autumn” .

The worst of the winds are expected across parts of England and Wales with gusts perhaps reaching 75 mph in exposed spots, although more generally 55-65 mph.  Winds of this strength have the potential to cause disruption to transport and power supplies as well as some damage to buildings. The areas considered at greatest risk of impacts from wind are parts of northern England, north Wales and the north Midlands.

There has been some speculation in the press today that Britain could be hit by three hurricanes this autumn. 

The UK does not get hurricanes – these are tropical features.  They are larger rotating storm systems that develop over warm tropical water and are classified as hurricanes when sustained wind speed exceed 74 mph.

National Hurricane Centre  has the latest information on the track of the storms affecting the United States and Caribbean.  The UK Government is supporting a major humanitarian operation following the hurricanes and a hotline  has been set up for anyone concerned about friends and relatives in the area.