The Met Office has revised its weather warning up to amber, as Storm Ciara is set to hit the North West.

The adverse weather will bring a spell of very strong winds and distruption to travel is likely, with Merseyrail's timetable for Sunday already affected.

The amber warning covers much of England on Sunday, including Wirral and Cheshire. The area was initially on a lower yellow warning.

Forecasters warn that the people in affected areas should expect:

  • Flying debris could lead to Injuries or danger to life
  • Some damage to buildings, such as tiles blown from roofs expected
  • Longer journey times and cancellations, as road, rail, air and ferry services affected
  • Some roads and bridges closed
  • Power cuts with the potential to affect other services, such as mobile phone coverage
  • Injuries and danger to life from large waves and beach material being thrown onto sea fronts, coastal roads and properties

The Met Office said: "Widespread very strong winds will affect much of England and Wales during Sunday.

"Gusts of 60-70 mph will occur widely in inland areas and 70-80 mph along southern and western coasts."

Heavy rain is expected overnight and into Sunday morning, eventually easing off later into the evening.