Storm Brian: Parts of Ireland flood as Britain braces for winds of up to 70mph

Storm Brian has caused flooding in some coastal areas on Ireland's south-west coast.

Limerick city appears to be one of the areas worst-hit, with the River Shannon having overflowed.

In Galway city, temporary flood defences erected close to the Spanish Arch landmark proved effective, though the waters came close to reaching some properties. There have also been reports of flooding on roads in other south and west coastal areas.

Many popular visitor locations, such as the Cliffs of Moher in Co Clare, have been closed to the public on Saturday due to the weather warnings.

"Do not visit, it is unsafe and extremely dangerous," said a warning on the venue's website.

In Britain, the Met Office has issued a yellow weather warning for winds across areas of Britain, including Wales and southern England up to the Midlands, which will remain in place until midnight.

Forecasters have said the storm is due to a ‘weather bomb’ over the Atlantic, an unofficial term for a low pressure weather system which sees pressure drop rapidly across a 24-hour period.

Flood preparations are underway and the Environment Agency has set up steel flood barriers in Fowey, Cornwall, ahead of the storm, which looks set to batter southwest England.

“Western and southern coastal transport routes and communities are likely to be affected by large waves and spray, with potential for flooding of properties,” the Met Office states, warning the storm could cut power to areas.

“Some transport disruption is likely across the whole warning area, with delays to road, rail, air and ferry transport.”

The storm struck the western coast of Ireland late on Friday, just days after Storm Ophelia left three people dead and thousands without power.

“In the afternoon, strong to gale force Northwest winds will develop countrywide with severe gusts around coasts. Heavy showers or longer spells of rain, with thundery downpours, will continue to feed in across the country,” it said.

Wales is facing winds of up to 70mph and seven flood warnings have been issued for the southwest coast, including Aberystwyth.

Natural Resources Wales has warned people to stay vigilant as strong winds are likely to combine with high tides Friday evening into Saturday affecting much of the coastline.

Ben Lukey, national flood duty manager for the Environment Agency, warned against taking unnecessary risks during the storm.

“We urge people to stay safe along the coast and warn against putting yourself in unnecessary danger by taking ‘storm selfies’ or driving through flood water – just 30cm is enough to move your car.”

Network Rail has warned passengers to plan ahead for possible disruption and to check trains are running as scheduled.

Arriva Trains Wales and Network Rail have put emergency speed restrictions in placed on most of the routes across Wales and the borders.

British Airways has cancelled 20 short-haul flights in and out of Heathrow to slow the arrivals rate at the airport, but passengers affected have been notified and rebooked on alternative flights.