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The Met Office has warned parts of the UK are at risk of power cuts as gale-force winds reaching 70mph bear down on the nation.

This is due to the arrival of Hurricane Melissa, causing the weather authority to issue a yellow weather alert for Northern Ireland from 1pm tomorrow until 11pm.

The warning states: "South to southeasterly winds will strengthen through Thursday afternoon and evening, with gusts of 40 to 50 mph likely fairly widely, and perhaps 60 to 70mph in more exposed areas, especially along coasts and over the Mournes.

"Outbreaks of rain are also expected during this time, especially on Thursday evening where a short period of heavy rain accompanied by strong, gusty winds will be possible in places."

Hurricane Melissa is currently blasting through the West Inde

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