An amber weather warning has been issued for Liverpool as "danger to life" winds are expected.
The Met Office previously issued a yellow weather warning from 12pm Sunday, January 21 as Storm Isha is set to batter the UK. But with strong winds expected, this warning has been upgraded to amber as people are being advised to only travel if necessary.
The warning will be in place from 6pm on Sunday until 6am on Monday as disruption is likely. On Tuesday, a yellow weather warning remains in place for wind, staying until Wednesday.
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The Met Office has said “everybody” will be affected by the storm. Met Office meteorologist Tom Morgan said: "We’re expecting widespread gales to affect the UK, amber warnings are in place for large parts of the country.
"There’s the potential for danger-to-life and damaging winds potentially leading to some power cuts in places, some large waves around coastal regions could bring some debris onto roads and trees could come down."
He added: "We have a wind warning in place across the whole of the UK, it’s pretty unusual for the whole of the country to be under a blanket wind warning."
National Highways has also warned that some vehicles may be "blown over". Road users are advised to check ahead and plan for disruption to their journeys before they travel.
Storm Isha will bring very strong southwesterly winds to the South West, South East, East Midlands, West Midlands, North West and North East regions this evening. Gusts will frequently reach 50-60 mph, perhaps 70 mph at times and, along exposed coastal stretches 80mph is possible at times. Winds will turn westerly around mid-morning on Monday and ease.
There is a particularly high risk that high-sided vehicles and other 'vulnerable' vehicles such as caravans and motorbikes could be blown over. Delays to flights and trains are also expected as Avanti West Coast warned: "Due to the severe weather forecast with Storm Isha, customers are advised strongly not to travel today, Sunday 21 January. Tickets dated 21 January will be valid on Monday 22 or Tuesday 23 January."
They added: "We are operating a reduced timetable today 21 January, with the last trains of the day departing at 16:00."
What to expect:
- There is a good chance that power cuts may occur, with the potential to affect other services, such as mobile phone coverage
- Probably some damage to buildings, such as tiles blown from roofs
- Longer journey times and cancellations likely, as road, rail, air and ferry services may be affected
- Some roads and bridges likely to close
- Injuries and danger to life is likely from large waves and beach material being thrown onto coastal roads, sea fronts and properties