The Met Office has issued an urgent weather warning for people to prepare for gale force winds as the latest round of bad weather hits the UK.

The weather agency has advised people to anticipate potential power cuts after it issued an alert for severe wind set to activate this week. The alert warns that wind speeds could reach up to 70mph - gale force level - and surge across "exposed areas" while dragging intense rain showers in their wake.

The result, forecasters warn, is the potential for mass traffic difficulties and loss of services for a massive portion of Northern Ireland as the devastating Hurricane Melissa threatens to cause similar conditions next week.

The alert issued this morning for Thursday at 1pm warns strong winds coupled with heavy rain "could bring some disruption"

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