The UK and Ireland will face extreme weather conditions in the coming days as the tailend of Hurricane Katia sweeps across the Atlantic.

The Met Office has issued a severe weather warning for most of the UK, advising those in the North as well as Scotland, to expect winds of up to 75mph.

Image
© UnknownNorthern Irish motorists have been warned about exposed roads
In Ireland, MET ร‰ireann has also forecast strong southwest winds reaching speeds of 50 to 80 km/hr, gusting 90 to 130 km/hr, with the most severe winds affecting exposed regions of Connacht and Ulster on Monday morning.

A number of ferry crossings between Belfast and Scotland have already been cancelled due to the weather.

All P&O Fastcraft sailings from Northern Ireland have been cancelled, but passengers will be able to travel on the Larne to Cairnryan ferry.

Public transport has also been affected by the conditions, with Irish Rail confirming on Twitter that due to damage caused by the winds, the DART service between Bray and Greystones and Pearse is limited, while problems at Dun Laoghaire has since been rectified.

Elsewhere, AA Roadwatch has warned motorists to drive with extra care, as fallen trees and other debris are expected, with coastal roads in danger of flooding.

Donegal has already seen damage, with a fallen tree blocking the road at Glenconwall between Ardragh and Glenties.

The Harry Blaney Bridge, also in Donegal, has been closed as a precautionary measure following concerns from Donegal County Council.

While fallen trees in Laois has blocked the local road between Ballybrittas and Portarlington at Rathleash.

In Limerick city, there are very dangerous driving conditions on the N18 Galway/Limerick Road and on the N21 Limerick/Tralee Road from Adare on approach to Limerick City.

Motorists are reporting strong winds and fallen debris.

In Galway, flooding has been reported on the Leenane/Barna Road (R336) along the Promenade at Seapoint and Gardai are advising motorist to avoid this route.

A fallen tree is blocking traffic on the Monivea Road (R339) at Thermo King.

The Met Office said: "The remains of Hurricane Katia are expected to come across the UK on Monday bringing a spell of very windy weather.

"There remains some uncertainty about its track and intensity, though with increasing indications that Scotland and Northern Ireland are most likely to bear the brunt the warning has been upgraded to amber here.

"The public should be aware of the risk of disruption to transport and of the possibility of damage to trees and structures."