 Storm Antoni is set to bring 'unseasonably strong' winds and heavy rain to the UK on Saturday. The storm, which is the first to be named by the Met Office this season, will hit the UK from late Friday night and into Saturday. Rain and wind warnings have been issued for Northern Ireland and parts of south-west Britain respectively. Tonight, the Met Office issued an amber warning for wind in the south of the country. Northern Ireland will see heavy rain from the early hours of Saturday morning, while parts of Wales and south-west and coastal southern England will be blasted with heavy wind. Met Office chief meteorologist Steve Willington said the storm will bring 'potentially disruptive' weather as it moves from west to east. He added: 'Northern Ireland is likely to see some of the highest rainfall totals, with 40-60mm falling in some spots, but 20-30mm more widely. 'Away from the warning area many will still see a very wet day, especially in north Wales and north England.' He said that the strongest winds will affect parts of south-west England and south-west Wales, with gusts reaching in excess of 60mph. 'The strongest winds will affect parts south-west England and southwest Wales where exposed coasts and high ground could see gusts in excess of 60mph,' he said. 'In these areas, gusts inland could reach 50-55mph for a time. These windy conditions will likely coincide with high tides which will present an additional challenge for coastal areas.' The RAC's Rod Dennis warned that Saturday is expected to be the worst day on the roads of the summer so far. 'We expect Saturday to be the worst day on the roads of the summer so far, especially for anyone in the south-west of England – and that's a lot of people as our research shows it's the most popular part of the country for leisure trips by car this year,' he said. Gale force winds led to stormy seas at Pulpit Rock at Portland Bill, Dorset (Picture: Graham Hu){kind=link}
NEWS… BUT NOT AS YOU KNOW IT
Storm Antoni is set to bring ‘unseasonably strong’ winds and heavy rain to the UK on Saturday.
The storm, which is the first to be named by the Met Office this season, will hit the UK from late Friday night and into Saturday.
Rain and wind warnings have been issued for Northern Ireland and parts of south-west Britain respectively.
Tonight, the Met Office issued an amber warning for wind in the south of the country.