The Met Office has included all of Cornwall in a yellow ’ be aware’ severe weather warning for Friday.

Forecasters are predicting gales of up to 60mph sweeping across the south of England.

The Met Office has warned: ’The most likely scenario is for gusts widely in the 50mph to 60mph bracket, which could affect travel and produce some minor damage.

’Gusts of 60mph to 70mph may still occur in southern counties, where there remains a small chance of 80mph gusts in exposed coastal areas.

’If such winds were to happen, we would expect damage to trees and perhaps to buildings, possible disruption to power supplies, as well as delayed travel.’

However, forecasters say the worst of the winds may well pass south of the UK.

Even so, spells of wet and windy weather will be affecting many areas later in the week and over the weekend, with surface water issues an additional hazard, they say.

People are advised to keep liostening to weather forecasts for ongoing updates.