The Met Office has issued a yellow weather warning with strong winds set to batter the south coast of England and Wales.
Strong northwesterly winds are expected across much of southern England, with gusts of 50mph – 60mph possible.
More exposed areas could see winds of up to 70mph, though the weather service cautioned there is uncertainty as to where the strongest winds will be.
The warning, in place from 12am on Friday, October 23, until around 12pm the same day, will also impact the south of Wales.
Britons have been warned there is a small chance of damage to buildings, such as roofing tiles being blown from roofs, and a slight danger to life from flying debris.
Public transport services may also be affected, while roads and bridges could be closed.
The weather service also cautioned power outages could impact some areas and mobile service could be affected.
The yellow warning signifies the weather’s low likelihood of between 10 and 25 per cent, but a significant impact.
Friday’s warning impacts four regions across the UK.
South West England, including Bath and North East Somerset, Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole, Bristol, Cornwall, Devon, Dorset, Gloucestershire, Isles of Scilly, North Somerset, Plymouth, Somerset, South Gloucestershire, Torbay and Wiltshire.
In London and South East England, Brighton and Hove, East Sussex, Hampshire, Isle of Wight, Portsmouth, Southampton and West Sussex could be affected.
Blaenau Gwent, Bridgend, Caerphilly, Cardiff, Carmarthenshire, Ceredigion, Merthyr Tydfil, Monmouthshire, Neath Port Talbot, Newport, Pembrokeshire, Powys, Rhondda Cynon Taf, Swansea, Torfaen and Vale of Glamorgan may be impacted in Wales.
Herefordshire in the West Midlands has also been issued the weather warning.
Advising members of the public affected by the strong gusts, the Met Office said: “Prepare to protect your property and people from injury. Check for loose items outside your home and plan how you could secure them.
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“Items include: bins, garden furniture, trampolines, tents, sheds, and fences.
“Give yourself the best chance of avoiding delays by checking road conditions if driving, or bus and train timetables, amending your travel plans if necessary.
“People cope better with power cuts when they have prepared for them in advance. It’s easy to do; consider gathering torches and batteries, a mobile phone power pack and other essential items.
“If you are on the coast, stay safe during stormy weather by being aware of large waves. Even from the shore large breaking waves can sweep you off your feet and out to sea.
“Take care if walking near cliffs; know your route and keep dogs on a lead.”
It comes as the UK could be bracing to face Autumn’s first named storm, as Britons find themselves digging out their rain jackets after months of largely dry conditions.
Turbulent weather has been forecast as a strengthening jet stream sweeps in from North America.
While some areas of the country remain in drought, all parts of Britain are expected to experience rain at times over the coming weeks.
Temperatures will remain slightly below average for mid-October following a chilly weekend.
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