RESIDENTS are being told to expect disruption over the weekend caused by powerful winds brought by Storm Malik.

The Met Office has issued a yellow weather warning for strong gusts and gales across swathes of the north of England, including Cheshire, Merseyside and Greater Manchester.

The warning will come into force from 6pm on Sunday evening and remain in place through to midday on Monday.

Although the more substantial impacts are expected in Denmark on Sunday, Storm Malik’s track will glance northern areas of the UK.

Forecasters say that road, rail, air and ferry services may be affected, with longer journey times and cancellations possible as a result.

Some roads and bridges may be forced to close, while power cuts may occur with the potential to affect other services, such as mobile phone coverage.

Injuries and danger to life could occur from large waves and beach material being thrown onto susceptible sea fronts, coastal roads and properties.

Knutsford Guardian:

A Met Office spokesman said: “On Sunday evening, a spell of strong northwesterly winds is likely to develop across western Scotland and then progress southeastwards, eventually easing away from the North Sea coastlines during Monday morning.

“The strongest wind gusts will mostly occur around the coastlines and over the hills, with many of these exposed locations expected to see gusts reach 50-60mph for a time.

“In addition, a small chance that a very limited part of the area could see a short period of more damaging gusts, that could reach 60-70mph inland, and 70-80mph around exposed coasts and hills.”

Met Office chief meteorologist Paul Gundersen added: “The impacts of Storm Malik are going to be greatest in Denmark on Sunday, but the track of the storm in the preceding hours means that the UK will be dealt a glancing blow as Malik moves eastwards on Saturday.

“For those in the north of the UK, there will be high winds and rain on Saturday, with showers possibly turning wintry in the high ground in the north.

“The highest winds are expected in exposed coastal areas in the north and east of Scotland, but it will be a windy day for most.”