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Storm Brian will lash Kent at the weekend with winds, according to the Met Office

15:00, 19 October 2017

Windy conditions are predicted to batter our shores this weekend as the second official storm hits Kent.

With the unlikely name of Brian, the gusty weather is likely to be at its fiercest today, when wind speeds could reach 70mph on the coast.

It comes after the yellow weather warning for wind issued on Wednesday was later upgraded to Amber.

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Storm Brian is set to lash Kent with strong winds. Picture: WX Charts
Storm Brian is set to lash Kent with strong winds. Picture: WX Charts

Storms are given names from a list which are nominated by the public.

The updated warning comes from the Irish weather service, Met Eireann, which issued an amber warning for Ireland, which in turn affects London and the South East.

Forecaster with the Met Office, Chris Page, said: "We're likely to see some rain through the day on Saturday and gusts of 40-50 mph inland and possibly 70 mph towards the coast.

"The peak of the storm is likely to be by mid-afternoon.

LISTEN: Chris Page from the Met Office has been speaking to kmfm

"The advice is to take extra precautions as there is a potential for fallen trees and there's a chance we could see transport disrupted.

"Both coastal sites and inland areas are likely to experience strong winds so you should stay up to date with the latest forecast and only make travel if you have to."

According to the Met Office a storm is different to a wind warning because it has a higher chance of causing travel disruption a can damage vulnerable areas.

Meanwhile Network Rail has asked people to make sure their garden furniture is secure so it does not create an obstacle for train tracks.

Previously trains have had to be delayed to allow staff to remove trampolines from the line.

A spokesman for Network Rail said: "We are keeping a close eye on Storm Brian and are doing everything we can to prepare for severe weather.

"We are deploying additional teams across the railway network to remove debris quickly and safely if we need to, and to keep passengers moving."

The firm also said there will be some temporary speed restrictions over the weekend for areas in Kent including between Faversham, Ramsgate, Dover and Ashford.

UK Power Networks, which runs the electricity network across the South East says it has extra staff on duty to deal with any situations as they arise and keep customers updated.

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