Winds are predicted to be gusting to 95mph across the south west on Friday morning as Storm Eunice blows in hot on the heels of Storm Dudley.

The Met Office this morning (Wednesday) increased its weather warning alert from yellow to amber.

While Storm Dudley is hitting the northern half of the UK today, Storm Eunice is expected to bring gale-force winds to the south west from around 5am on Friday.

A spokesperson for the Met Office said: "The most significant wind gusts are expected in the south and west of the UK, with an amber warning now in force here from the early hours of Friday morning.

"Exposed coastal areas could see wind gusts in excess of 95mph, while inland areas could still see gusts to around 80mph, bringing the potential for fallen trees, damage to buildings and travel disruption."

The Environment Agency is warning of possible storm surge.

It says that strong winds and large waves, coupled with potential storm surge, are likely to cause wave-overtopping and flooding to exposed communities on the coast during the high spring tide.

Katharine Smith, Environment Agency flood duty manager, said: “Strong winds could bring coastal flooding to parts of the west, southwest and south coast of England, as well as the tidal River Severn, in the early hours of Friday morning.

"This is due to Storm Eunice resulting in high waves and potential storm surge coinciding with the start of a period of spring tides.

“Please remember to take extreme care on coastal paths and promenades.

"We urge people to stay safe on the coast and warn wave watchers against the unnecessary danger of taking ‘storm selfies’.

"Flooding of low-lying coastal roads is also possible and people should avoid driving through flood water as just 30cm of flowing water is enough to move your car.

“You can check your flood risk, sign up for free flood warnings and keep up to date with the latest situation at gov.uk/check-flood-risk, call Floodline on 0345 988 1188 or follow @EnvAgency on Twitter for the latest flood updates.”‎