THE Met Office's chief meteorologist has issued a warning ahead of Storm Agnes sweeping the country. 

The deep area of low pressure will impact much of the UK on Wednesday and into Thursday.

A yellow wind warning is in force for Bradford - starting at noon on Wednesday and ending at 7am on Thursday.

Met Office chief meteorologist Steve Ramsdale said: "While the precise track and depth of Storm Agnes is still being determined, there's a high likelihood of wind gusts around 50 to 60mph for some inland areas.

"Exposed coastal areas could see gusts of 65 to 75 mph with a small chance of a few places seeing around 80mph.

"As well as some very strong winds for many, Storm Agnes will also bring some heavy rain, with the highest totals more likely in Scotland, northern England, Wales and Northern Ireland.

"Around 60mm of rain is possible in a few places over high ground in Scotland."

The yellow wind warning for Bradford states there is a "small chance of injuries and danger to life from flying debris" as well as a "slight chance of some damage to buildings, such as tiles blown from roofs".

It adds: "There is a slight chance that power cuts may occur, with the potential to affect other services, such as mobile phone coverage.

"Longer journey times are likely and some roads and bridges are likely to close."

The weather further ahead

A Met Office spokesperson said: "Storm Agnes' influence on UK weather is expected to diminish later on Thursday as it weakens and moves further north.

"Following that system, rain will move into southern areas late on Thursday and into Friday, with some heavy bursts possible for some areas of England and Wales.

"However, as we move towards the weekend, a ridge of high pressure from the south is expected to bring a period of more settled weather, though some showers could continue in northern and western areas for a time."