Southport is being battered by gale force winds this afternoon. The town has escaped the heavy rainfall. A sandstorm is lashing the beach and there are large waves on the Marine Lake.

Storm Ali hits Southport more on https://t.co/p024QP600Q later pic.twitter.com/pk4VhABBGw

— Roving-eye (@rovingsouthport) 19 September 2018

The winds will gradually ease later on Wednesday, firstly across Northern Ireland, northwest Wales and northern England, and then across Scotland. The outlook for the remainder of the week is rather unsettled with further strong winds and heavy rain expected across most parts of the UK. A Yellow rain warning has been issued for parts of Wales and northwest England on Thursday.

Another spell of wet and windy weather is possible over the weekend too. Quieter conditions are currently expected to follow for next week.