STORM Darragh is expected to cause high winds across the south west from tonight and into tomorrow.

The Met Office has issued red, amber and yellow severe weather warnings ahead of the storm, the second big storm to hit the country within weeks.

South Devon is expected to be affected by high winds but is likely to escape the most severe red warning for Wales and north Devon.

However, the area of low pressure will bring strong winds and heavy rain which is due to impact the south west between 3am and 11am tomorrow.

Devon and Somerset Fire and Rescue service has issued advice to keep safe.

A spokesman said: ‘There may be impacts from severe weather, such as travel delays, road and rail closures and power cuts which could disrupt your plans.’

The service advises checking homes for anything outside that could cause damage such as loose guttering or fences.

Stay at home unless you need to travel.

If your journey is essential, plan your route and take extra time to travel.

If you see fallen trees or debris that is dangerous, contact your local council, unless someone is trapped or injured then call 999.

National Highways has advised road users in the region to check ahead and plan for disruption to their journeys.

Winds of 70 to 80 mph (with the potential to reach 90 mph in isolated locations) are expected along the northern coasts and inland areas of North Somerset, Devon and Cornwall.

Routes most likely to be affected by the strongest winds are M5 (Burnham-on-Sea to Avonmouth bridge), A30 Cornwall, Bodmin and Okehampton.

The strong winds are expected to cause significant disruption and motorists are advised to consider essential travel only.

High sided vehicles, caravans, motorbikes and other vulnerable vehicles are advised to take extreme care when travelling due to the significant risk.

Met Office Chief Forecaster, Jason Kelly, said: ‘The worst impacts from Storm Darragh will be felt as we go through the early hours of tomorrow morning and throughout Saturday with, in addition to the broad yellow warning, red and amber wind warnings in place from 1am tomorrow.

’In the red warning area, we could see wind gusts of up to 90 miles per hour along the coasts of west and south Wales as well as funnelling through the Bristol Channel, with some very large waves on exposed beaches.

'Although there is a lower likelihood of impacts outside of the red and amber warning areas this doesn’t mean you won’t see them.

‘We are likely to see impacts across the whole of the country and people should keep an eye on the latest forecast details and prepare for the bad weather, especially if planning to be out and about on Saturday. Some areas are likely to have a relatively quiet start to Saturday, weather-wise, but winds will quickly increase from the west through the day.’