THE Met Office has issued a yellow warning as Storm Helene is set to hit the country this evening.

St Helens has a yellow warning for wind between 6pm today (Monday) and 8am on Tuesday.

Forecasters have downgraded warnings that Storm Helene could pose a risk to life when it hits next week - but warned coastal communities to stay vigilant.

The Met Office warned on Friday the storm could bring hazardous conditions when it sweeps across the north of England and Wales and through the Republic of Ireland.

But the majority of Helene's strong winds are now predicted to spend themselves over the Irish Sea from Monday night and into Tuesday morning.

A spokesman for the Met Office said Helene could fell a few trees, which could bring disruption to transport links, but did not think it would reach the 70mph winds originally predicted.

Those in coastal areas are warned to be wary of large waves hitting the seafront.

But Helene is still due to bring unseasonably warm weather in London and the south east due as the low pressure draws up warm air from the south.

Some parts could see highs of 26C (78.8F), which is 7C to 8C above average for the time of year, the Met Office said.

A yellow warning remains in place but the storm is not thought to pose a risk to life.

Storm Helene will bring a spell of strong winds to western parts of the UK in particular late Monday and early Tuesday.

What to expect:

  • Some delays to road, rail, air and ferry transport expected.

  • Some bus and train services affected, with some journeys taking longer.

  • Delays for high-sided vehicles on exposed routes and bridges.

  • Some short term loss of power and other services.

  • Coastal routes, sea fronts and coastal communities affected by spray and/or large waves.

  • Some damage to trees is possible, for example large branches or trees falling in a few places.