Storm Dave: Met Office warns of 90mph winds over Easter

Yellow warnings for wind and snow have been issued for Saturday night and Sunday with a deep area of low pressure expected to pass across the north-west of the country.

Damage, power cuts and travel disruption are likely.

It is just one part of a very mixed Easter forecast which will bring heavy downpours alongside spells of warm sunshine.

Huge temperature contrasts across the USA and Canada have helped to supercharge the jet stream – the flow of strong winds high in the atmosphere that spins up weather systems and guides them around the globe.

And confidence is growing that this will propel a deep area of low pressure towards the UK on Saturday.

Numerous yellow warnings have been issued by the Met Office for Saturday and Sunday (Image: Social media)

The Met Office has issued yellow warnings for wind covering all of Scotland and Northern Ireland, as well as large swathes of northern England and north Wales.

The warnings are valid at various times on Saturday afternoon, overnight and into Sunday.

Widespread gusts of 50-60mph (80-97km/h) are expected with the chance of 70mph (113km/h) gusts in exposed areas, especially around coasts.

Central and northern parts of Scotland could see winds peaking at 80-90mph (129-144km/h) with large waves bringing dangerous conditions along the coasts.

Winds as strong as these bring the threat of damage, power cuts and significant travel disruption.

Some roads and bridges could close, which could have major impacts on what is predicted to be the busiest Easter in four years for drivers

Disruption to train and ferry services is also possible.

Numerous yellow warnings have been issued by the Met Office for Saturday and Sunday

A Met Office warning for snow has also been issued for parts of north-west Scotland during Saturday evening and overnight.

5-10cm (2-4in) of snow may accumulate, mainly over high ground above 200m (650ft) elevation, with a small chance of 20cm (8in) in a few locations.

Coupled with the strong winds this could give blizzards, drifting and blowing snow, and very poor visibility on the roads.