Snow and ice could cause travel disruption on Monday as Storm Bella sweeps in to batter the UK this weekend.

The Met Office has put yellow weather warnings in place for Northern Ireland, swathes of Scotland and northern England from 6pm tomorrow until 10am on Monday.

Forecasters warn: ‘An area of rain, sleet and snow will move south through Sunday night with the potential for icy surfaces and some travel disruption.’

It comes as experts warn of severe gales in Wales and southern England on Saturday night, with many other areas also set to see strong winds and heavy rain.

A gust of wind has been recorded at 83mph in the coastal village of Aberdaron in north Wales as Storm Bella moves in, the Met Office said tonight.

They have predicted 15-25mm is likely to fall in Wales and south-west England, and up to 40-60mm over some hills.

There are currently two severe flood warnings – meaning ‘danger to life’ – in place for Cogenhoe Mill Caravan Site and the River Nene at Billing Aquadrome and nearby business parks.

Meanwhile, there are 77 other flood warnings and 156 other flood alerts in place across the country.

People have been warned flying debris could cause injury or be a risk to life, and buildings could be damaged in the storm.

It comes after 1,309 families living along the River Ouse in north Bedfordshire were told to evacuate on Christmas Day amid fears their lives were in danger. 

The river broke its banks on Christmas evening, causing water to flood onto bridges and roads in the village of Turvey.

The area’s fire chief said telling people they needed to leave their home at Christmas was ‘a terrible message to deliver’.

Paul Fuller, chief fire officer at Bedfordshire Fire and Rescue Service, told BBC News: ‘It is of course a dreadful thing when we’ve faced all these months of difficulty and restriction.’

He added: ‘The peak in Bedford has now passed it seems, but the towns and villages further down stream are still at risk.’

More than 70 properties were also left without power on Christmas Day in Cirencester, Gloucestershire when an electricity substation flooded.

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