Storm Barbara is bringing gale force winds and heavy rain to southern parts of the UK with forecasters warning of the potential for flooding.

An area stretching from the East of England to the West Midlands and down to the South West is expected to see 10-15mm (0.39-0.59 inches) of rain.

Some places could see as much as 50mm (1.97 inches) in a period between three and six hours.

Flood alerts have been issued in Loughborough, along parts of the Cornish coast, and at Climping in West Sussex.

There is a yellow warning for severe gales across southeast England, mainly across Kent and Sussex. Gusts could reach 55mph (88 kmh) inland and 65mph (104kmh) near the coast.

The Met Office said winds could be particularly strong across “exposed coastal locations” and through the Dover Strait.

The UK can expect unsettled weather for the rest of the week once the wind and rain clears off into the North Sea.

Rebecca Yussuf, from Sky News’ weather team, said: “Southern England and Wales will see persistent and at times heavy rain on Wednesday, and the Met Office has issued a yellow weather warning for the risk of travel disruption.

“Most places will have a drier day on Thursday, with more in the way of sunshine, although England and Wales will see a few heavy showers, with hail and thunder.”

Storm Barbara was named by Spanish meteorologists and is expected to unleash torrential downpours across Spain and Portugal.

Some areas could see the equivalent of four to six weeks’ of rain in just a few days.

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