Overnight gales are set to cause travel disruption to this morning’s rush hour and could also hit power lines.
Winds of 40-50mph and gusts of 60mph are expected to continue across central and north Wales, the Midlands, North West, Yorkshire and East Anglia.
The westerly gales are being caused by a deep area of low pressure which could also bring a quarter of the normal October rainfall as it passes.
The Meteorological Office issued a yellow warning of disruption valid from 9pm last night until 9am today.
A yellow severe weather warning has been issued for wind with the potential for disruption to travel and power supplies (Met Office tweet)
A wet & windy night is in store across some northern and central parts of the UK, with heavy rain and gales sweeping south (Met Office tweet)
On your way home? Here is a look at the weather for your evening commute. Rain across some northern & western parts, but drier elsewhere (Met Office tweet)
Forecasters said the main risk to travel could come from fallen trees affecting roads and railways, and winds damaging power lines.
Commuters are urged to check for disruption before setting out for work.
Met Office spokeswoman Nicola Maxey said: ‘There is a deep area of low pressure crossing the country which is causing the strong winds and rain.
‘The strongest gusts of 60mph are expected in exposed areas and places such as the Pennines and North Wales.
Forecasters said the main risk to travel could come from fallen trees affecting roads and railways, and winds damaging power lines
‘But lower areas could see 40mph to 50mph winds. We are also expecting around 20mm of rain (just under one inch) to fall in many areas. The normal October average rainfall for the Midlands is 82mm.’
She added: ‘The risk of travel disruption in the morning is mostly from fallen trees and there is also the chance of damage to power lines.’
Overnight gales are set to cause travel disruption to tomorrow morning’s rush hour and could also hit power lines. Above, a red deer stag during the rutting season in Richmond Park, south-west London, yesterday
Thursday is due to become dry and bright once the low pressure system has cleared into the North Sea, and the dry conditions are due to continue into Friday. Pictured, Richmond Park yesterday
Last night, the Met Office was also urging people to secure items of garden furniture to prevent them being blown away.
Today is due to become dry and bright once the low pressure system has cleared into the North Sea, and the dry conditions are due to continue into Friday.
Towards the weekend, Saturday is due to start dry but a weather front is then predicted to cross the country bringing the prospect of rain and showers.
Sunday is due to be mainly cloudy with some showers in the north and brighter spells in the east.
The warmest temperatures are set to be 17 to 19C (63-66F) on Friday in London and the South East, before it turns slightly cooler. Daytime temperatures in all areas are due to remain between 14 and 17C (57-63F).
The winds last night and into the morning will not be as strong as during Storm Aileen, the first named storm of the autumn, last month.
It brought hurricane-force winds of up to 83mph, heavy rain and left thousands without power.