The Met Office issued a rare "danger to life" warning yesterday in relation to Storm Ashley's destructive winds that could lead to large coastal waves and loose beach material that pose a risk to huma

FLIGHTS and trains have been axed after the Met Office issued a ‘danger to life’ warning – as Storm Ashley hits with 80mph winds. The storm is lashing Scotland, Northern Ireland,

Injuries and danger to life are likely during the 80mph winds set to hit parts of the UK this weekend in the first named storm of the season, the Met Office has said.

Storm Ashley is set to batter parts of the UK this weekend with amber and yellow weather warnings now in place for parts of Scotland, Northern Ireland, Wales and in both northern and southwest England

Storm Ashley has caused travel disruption and flooding across the UK as high winds and rain battered parts of the country. Dozens of flights have been cancelled at Belfast City Airport and Dublin Airport due to 80mph winds, while several flights to Edinburgh, Glasgow and Aberdeen have also been called off.

Parts of Northern Ireland could face disruption on Sunday as a result of Storm Ashley. The Met Office issued a yellow weather warning for wind for the whole of Northern Ireland, which came into effect at 03:00 BST and lasts until midnight. Gusts of up to 60mph (100km/h) have been predicted in some inland areas.

Cities, towns and villages that fall in the amber area could see gusts as strong as 80mph, with the Met Office adding "injuries and danger to life is likely from large waves and beach material being thrown onto coastal roads, sea fronts and properties."

Power cuts, large waves and travel disruption are expected in Cumbria as parts of the UK are braced for Storm Ashley. The Met Office has issued a yellow weather warning for Sunday for wind across Cumbria and an amber amber high wind warning for some western areas in Scotland.

The RNLI has warned people to "stay safe and stay away" from Blackpool Promenade as the resort is hit by Storm Ashley. The Met Office has issued a yellow weather warning for high winds gusting up to 70mph (113km/h) in Blackpool until about midnight.