Met Office say Storm Gerrit set to hit Sefton early hours on Wednesday morning with gusts of 60mph

The Met Office have named #StormGerrit which is forecast to bring strong winds and heavy rain to the UK on Wednesday 28th December.

The storm is expected to be felt across the UK, with a number of yellow wind and rain warnings in place.

The Met Office has chosen to name the storm as it is expected to be a busy day on the roads, with people returning home after Christmas.

People should expect journeys to take longer than normal in the hazardous conditions, the AA has warned.

The storm is expected to hit the UK from the west early on Wednesday, moving up through the country throughout the day.

Yellow warnings for wind are in place across the southern coast of England, in north-west England and Wales, much of Scotland and Northern Ireland.

Met Office meteorologist Simon Partridge said: "wind warning areas can expect gusts of 50-60mph, with up to 70mph on high ground and exposed coasts."

He said: "only the central section of the UK does not have a wind warning."

Heavy rain is expected in some areas as well, with an estimated 60mm falling in parts of Northern Ireland, and up to 90mm on higher ground in Wales.

"In terms of rain, we have rain warnings out for the whole of Northern Ireland, western Wales, north-west England, and then there's a combined sort of rain and snow warning for Scotland," Mr Partridge said.

Wintry weather is expected too, with a yellow warning for snow covering much of Scotland.

Storm Gerrit is the seventh named storm of the current UK storm season, which started in September and runs until August next year.

It is the earliest point in the season that a storm has been named with the letter G since the system for naming the storms started in 2015.

The AA urged those travelling on Wednesday to leave a bigger gap to the vehicle in front, as the wet weather could increase how long it takes a car to brake.

It also warned drivers that high winds can hit cars suddenly in exposed areas.

Be prepared, stay safe and protect property.

Make sure you know what to do in a bad storm.

Before the storm

Secure loose objects such as ladders, garden furniture or anything else that could be blown into windows and other glazing and break them.

Close and securely fasten doors and windows, particularly those on the windward side of the house, and especially large doors such as those on garages.

Park vehicles in a garage, if available; otherwise keep them clear of buildings, trees, walls and fences.

Close and secure loft trapdoors with bolts, particularly if roof pitch is less than 30°

If the house is fitted with storm shutters over the windows then ensure that these are closed and fastened.

If chimney stacks are tall and in poor condition, move beds away from areas directly below them.

During the storm

Stay indoors as much as possible. If you do go out, try not to walk or shelter close to buildings and trees.

Keep away from the sheltered side of boundary walls and fences - if these structures fail, they will collapse on this side.

Do not go outside to repair damage while the storm is in progress.

If possible, enter and leave your house through doors in the sheltered side, closing them behind you.

Open internal doors only as needed, and close them behind you.

Take care when driving on exposed routes such as bridges, or high open roads, delay your journey or find alternative routes if possible.

Slow down and be aware of side winds, particular care should be taken if you are towing or are a high sided vehicle.

Do not drive unless your journey is really necessary

After the storm

Be careful not to touch any electrical/telephone cables that have been blown down or are still hanging.

Do not walk too close to walls, buildings and trees as they could have been weakened.

Make sure that any vulnerable neighbours or relatives are safe and help them make arrangements for any repairs.