Large parts of the UK are bracing for a battering as the first named storm of the season is set to descend on them in a matter of hours. Storm Amy is expected to bring strong gusts and heavy rain. The Met Office has issued yellow severe weather warnings in Scotland for rain from 12pm until 11.59pm on Friday and for wind from 6pm on Friday until 11.59pm on Saturday.

A yellow warning for wind will also be in place for Northern Ireland from 4pm on Friday until 6am on Saturday. A separate amber warning for Strathclyde on the west coast of Scotland has also been issued. This will be in place from 5pm on Friday until 9am on Saturday. Wind gusts of 70 to 80 mph are likely fairly widely distributed and may exceed 95 mph in more exposed areas. The Met Office has issued advice on how best to prepare for the storm.

THIS IS A LIVE BLOG. SCROLL DOWN FOR UPDATES.