LIVE as Storm Ashley hits UK amid weather warnings and flood alerts - latest updates

The UK is bracing itself for the arrival of Storm Ashley.

Weather warnings have been issued, with heavy rain and 80mph winds predicted in places. The first named storm of the season is 'likely' to bring a threat of injuries and danger to life, the Met Office has said.

A yellow warning for wind came into place for the entirety of Scotland and Northern Ireland and parts of north-west England and Wales at 3am and runs until midnight on Sunday. An amber warning for the north-west of Scotland has been issued from 9am until midnight, with the weather service warning 'injuries and danger to life is likely from large waves and beach material being thrown on to coastal roads, sea fronts and properties'.

READ MORE: Great South Run cancelled over safety concerns as Storm Ashley heads for UK

Met Office meteorologist Dan Stroud said 'very strong, severe gales' on Sunday coincide with high spring tides, which could also result in 'very large waves'. The north of Scotland will remain under a yellow warning for wind from midnight until 9am on Monday.

Further south, the Met Office has issued a yellow warning for the south-west of England and South Wales until midday on Sunday with a threat of disruption to travel with flooding and possible interruptions to power supplies.

Mr Stroud said strong, gale force winds are due to continue through to Monday morning, meaning 'fallen debris and trees' could affect commuters at the start of the week.

Winds are expected to ease on Monday with rain moving into the south east. The north is expected to remaining blustery for much of the week.

The Environment Agency’s website listed 41 active flood warnings on Sunday morning, meaning flooding is expected, and 132 flood alerts, meaning flooding is