umbrella
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The first severe storms of autumn are set to unleash chaos across Britain tonight with winds as strong as 70mph felling trees.

Forecasters last night said almost the entire country will be lashed with violent gales measuring Force 11 and driving rain.

The weather system - caused by a deep area of low pressure over the Atlantic - is forecast to arrive later today but its fury will not be unleashed fully until tomorrow.

It will reach a peak tomorrow and last into Monday, meaning a soggy start to the working week.

People were advised to reach for their waterproofs and wellies but not to bother with umbrellas because they will only blow away.

A severe weather warning has been issued for North-west England, North Wales and Scotland from 3pm tomorrow until midnight on Monday.

The South, West and Midlands are also set to be battered by gale force winds of up to 60mph. Localised flooding is likely to make weekend motoring a nightmare, while those who enjoy coastal walks are warned to take extra care.

The wet and wild weather will give Britons their first full taste of autumn, which officially started on September 1, with temperatures struggling to reach 12C (54F).

Last night forecaster Jonathan Powell, of Vantage Weather Services, said: "A battering of serious proportions will lead to flooding and structural damage.

"It will be a testing time from Sunday into Monday with 48 hours of wind mayhem - a ribbon of weather misery - likely to lead to traffic chaos."

And Met Office forecaster Juliet Gardner said: "People should expect to see wet and windy weather. It will remain unsettled until winds ease during Tuesday."