THE Met Office has issued a yellow weather warning as strong winds are anticipated in northern areas on Thursday.

Westerly gales are expected to spread southwards across northern and some central areas of the UK on Thursday, with gusts of 60 to 70 mph likely across parts of northern and eastern England, North Wales and Northern Ireland.

These winds will veer north-westerly and begin to ease during the afternoon but the public should remain aware of the potential for significant disruption.