A RARE red weather warning has been issued by the Met Office for parts of west Somerset this weekend.

The red warning for wind warns of danger to life due to flying debris and falling trees and is in place from 3am to 11am on Saturday, December 7 across Highbridge, Weston-super-Mare, Clevedon, Burnham-on-Sea and further west towards Lynton and Ilfracombe.

Forecasters have said winds could reach up to 90mph, but they will begin to ease from “late morning” with Amber wind warnings in place until the evening.

A Met Office spokesperson said: “A period of extremely strong winds will develop during the early hours of Saturday morning as Storm Darragh moves across the Irish Sea.

“Gusts of 90mph or more are possible over coasts and hills of west and south Wales, as well as funnelling through the Bristol Channel with some very large waves on exposed beaches.

M5 warning

National Highways has warned the M5 (Burnham-on-Sea to Avonmouth bridge) will be most affected by the wind and it is encouraging motorists to take care.

“Storm Darragh will bring storm force winds to the Northern coasts of the South West region during the early hours of Saturday,” a spokesperson said.

“Winds of 70-80 mph (with the potential to reach 90 mph in isolated locations) are expected along the northern coasts and inland areas of North Somerset, Devon and Cornwall.

“Routes most likely to be affected by the strongest winds are M5 (Burnham-on-Sea to Avonmouth bridge), A30 Cornwall, Bodmin & Okehampton.

“These strong winds are expected to cause significant disruption and motorists are advised to consider essential travel only.

“High-sided vehicles, caravans, motorbikes and other vulnerable vehicles are advised to take extreme care when travelling due to the significant risk.”

Advice from Met Office: “stay indoors”

The Met Office is encouraging people to avoid travelling by road if they are in the area of the red warning.

“Don’t risk injury to others or damage to your property,” a spokesperson said.

“If you can do so safely, check for loose items outside your home and secure them.

“Items include Christmas decorations, bins, garden furniture, trampolines, tents, sheds, and fences.

“Being outside in high winds makes you vulnerable to injury. Stay indoors if you can.”

Stay up to date with the warnings via the Met Office website.