BRITAIN BRACES FOR THE WORST STORM SINCE 1987

A powerful weather system developing over the Atlantic could see Britain battered with some of the worst weather conditions since the Great Storm of 1987, forecasters are predicting.

The storm is expected to develop south west of Britain tomorrow and reach the south coast of England on Sunday night and into Monday, bringing exceptionally strong winds.

The storm could develop winds hitting 12 on the Beaufort Scale. This is the strength of a hurricane.

With gusts of  up to 90mph and up to 30mm of rain forecast the RAC has warned motorists against all but essential travel in torrential rain and floods.

The public has also been warned to expect the possibility of power cuts, trees blocking roads and transport disruption.

Met Office spokesman Dan Williams said today that forecasters had extended their amber warning for strong winds further north. London, East Anglia and Bristol are all now expected to be hit by heavy winds and rain.