LIVE: Severe weather warnings in place as Storm Ciaran set to hit the UK - updates

Storm Ciaran is set to sweep across the UK today bringing heavy rain and wind.

Met Office forecasters have issued yellow and amber weather warnings for much of the South East. The warnings will stay in place until Friday.

Residents have been warned to expect flooding in some areas in Southern England. The storm is not expected to hit Greater Manchester in full force although rain is forecast.

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Met Office Deputy Chief Meteorologist, Brent Walker, said: “Wind and rain warnings associated with Storm Ciarán are in force from tonight through until Friday, with further updates possible. These include Amber warnings for wind for parts of southwest England on Thursday morning and the far south and southeast of England Thursday daytime and early evening.

“Very strong winds are expected along southern coastal areas of England in particular, where gusts of 70 to 80mph are possible, perhaps exceeding 85 mph in a few exposed locations. Further inland, gusts could reach up to 50 or 60mph.

“As well as strong winds, there will be heavy rain across many parts of the UK. Much of southern and western England, Wales, northeast England and eastern Scotland look to see the wettest conditions between Wednesday evening and Friday morning. 20-30 mm of rain is likely to fall quite widely, with 40-60 mm possible over higher ground. Some parts of Wales and southwest England may see 80 mm of rain. This rain will fall on already saturated ground, bringing the risk of flooding.”

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Train passengers travelling between Scotland and England will face