IF you had outdoor plans this weekend, now might be the time to change them.

The Met Office is predicting gusts of 50 to 60mph winds heading for North Wales as Storm Ciara sweeps across the Atlantic.

A spokesman added: "Very strong winds are likely across much of the UK later Saturday and through Sunday.

"Gusts of 50 to 60 mph are likely across many inland areas, with gusts of 70, possibly 80 mph around some exposed coasts and hills, especially in the north and west.

"Heavy rain will be an additional hazard, especially over western hills.

"Winds of this strength across a wide area have the potential to produce disruption to transport, along with some coastal impacts, especially in the west."

The warning is in place from 6pm on Saturday to midnight on Sunday. 

Tips to prepare before the storm include:

  • Secure loose objects such as ladders, garden furniture or anything else that could be blown into windows and other glazing and break them
  • Close and securely fasten doors and windows, particularly those on the windward side of the house, and especially large doors such as those on garages
  • Park vehicles in a garage, if available; otherwise keep them clear of buildings, trees, walls and fences
  • Close and secure loft trapdoors with bolts, particularly if roof pitch is less than 30°
  • If chimney stacks are tall and in poor condition, move beds away from areas directly below them

Tips for during the storm include:

  • Stay indoors as much as possible
  • If you do go out, try not to walk or shelter close to buildings and trees
  • Keep away from the sheltered side of boundary walls and fences - if these structures fail, they will collapse on this side
  • Do not go outside to repair damage while the storm is in progress
  • If possible, enter and leave your house through doors in the sheltered side, closing them behind you
  • Open internal doors only as needed, and close them behind you
  • Take care when driving on exposed routes such as bridges, or high open roads, delay your journey or find alternative routes if possible
  • Slow down and be aware of side winds, particular care should be taken if you are towing or are a high sided vehicle
  • Do not drive unless your journey is really necessary