A WEATHER warning for high winds along the west coast of Wales has been upgraded to amber as Storm Arwen sweeps in.

The Met Office has updated its warning this morning to amber along the western fringe of Wales with winds in excess of 70mph expected in a few places that could cause a danger to life.

A yellow warning is already in place for Friday and Saturday, but overnight between midnight and 9am that warning upgrades to amber.

The Met Office says: “Storm Arwen will bring very strong northerly winds into coastal parts of Wales and parts of western England Friday night and into Saturday. The highest winds then become confined to southwest England by Saturday morning. Gusts of 60 to 70 mph are expected in coastal areas with gusts in excess of 70 mph in a few places.”

Forecasters say that flying debris is likely and could lead to injuries or danger to life and that damage to trees and temporary structures is probable.

The Met Office adds: “Longer journey times and cancellations likely, as road, rail, air and ferry services may be affected

“Some roads and bridges likely to close

“There is a good chance that power cuts may occur, with the potential to affect other services, such as mobile phone coverage

“Injuries and danger to life is likely from large waves and beach material being thrown onto coastal roads, sea fronts and properties.”

A yellow warning for wind continues after 9am tomorrow up to 6pm on Saturday with other regions in the Midlands facing a yellow warning for snow as Storm Arwen brings an icy blast with its gale force winds.Elsewhere, a red warning has been issued for the east coast of Scotland and north east England where winds are expected to reach 90mph between 3pm Friday and 2am on Saturday, generating 'very large' waves