An amber weather warning for strong winds has been issued for much of Wales as Storm Francis approaches.

The Met Office has this morning upgraded its yellow warning to amber from 2pm until 10pm this evening (Tuesday).

Forecasters warn of very strong winds that are likely to bring disruption to parts of England and Wales throughout this afternoon and evening, with winds of uptown 70mph.

A spokesperson for the Met Office said: “A spell of very strong winds will develop across much of Wales and a large swathe of central England during Tuesday before easing from the west during Tuesday evening.

"Gusts are likely to widely reach 50-55 mph inland with some sites seeing 60-65 mph.

"Exposed coastal locations in the west and some higher ground inland may see gusts to 70 mph at times.”

A yellow weather warning for heavy rain is also in place for all of Gwynedd and North Ceredigion today and Wednesday, with forecasters saying Storm Francis could bring unto 80mm of rain in some places.

Yellow weather warnings for winds are also in place for Wednesday.