Storm Brendan news – live: Almost 50,000 customers without power as 80mph winds pummel UK and Ireland

Good morning and welcome to today's live blog.

We'll be keep you updated with all the latest news on Storm Brendan, which is expected to hit the UK today.

Weather warnings for 80mph winds

The Met Office has issued severe weather warnings for gusts up to 80mph across much of the UK from 10am until midnight today and 12pm until midnight tomorrow.

The western half of the UK is expected to be most affected today, with the weather warnings moving across to cover the rest of the country on Tuesday.

The Republic of Ireland will be most affected by the storm, with Met Eireann putting out an orange wind warning for the entire country.

Whole of country to see rain at some point

Everywhere in the UK will see rain at some point today, although the storm is expected to move through quickly, according to Met Office forecaster Simon Partridge.

The Met Office has warned disruption to travel is likely and coastal routes, sea fronts and coastal communities may be affected by spray or large waves.

There could also be some short term loss to power and other services.

'Severe and damaging' winds to move across Ireland

A band of severe wind are expected to move from west to east across the country between 11am and 3pm, bringing gusts of up to 80mph, according to Met Éireann.

Footage from Galway as Storm Brendan arrives in Ireland

Ferries and flights cancelled

Ferry operator Caledonian MacBrayne has cancelled many sailings including services to and from Barra, Coll, Harris, Islay, Tiree and North and South Uist.

The Scottish airline Loganair has offered passengers booked on several routes today the chance to switch to any date in the coming week without charge.

Irish Ferries has also cancelled all four ferries between Pembroke and Rosslare and says most sailings on Tuesday are either cancelled or “in doubt”.

The worst-affected airport at present is Shannon in the west of Ireland. Some Aer Lingus flights to and from Birmingham, Edinburgh and Heathrow have been grounded.

Full details from travel correspondent Simon Calder:

Storm Brendan: ferries and flights cancelled amid 90mph winds

Schools and nurseries closed

All schools and nurseries have been closed in the Western Isles of Scotland.

The strongest winds are expected around exposed coasts and hills with gusts of 60-70mph likely, and gusts of up to 80mph possible in some places, particularly around the west coast of Scotland.

Western Isles Council has closed all schools and nurseries to pupils as a precaution for the day, though schools are open for staff who are expected to attend "when they deem it safe to do so".

The council said that all bus services in the area are also likely to be cancelled on Monday.

Flood warnings  

A number of flood warnings and alerts are in place across the UK.

The Environment Agency has issued two flood warnings, meaning immediate action is required, for Keswick campsite in the Lake District and North Bank Road alongside the River Nene near Peterborough.

There are also currently 55 flood alerts in place, stretching across England from Lizard Point on the south Cornwall coast to Silloth in Cumbria.

The Scottish Environment Protection Agency also has 12 flood warnings and 16 flood alerts in place, while Natural Resources Wales has issued five alerts.

Coastguard issues waves warning

The Irish Coastguard has warned people to stay away from breaking waves during today's unpredictable weather.

Storm Brendan his parts of Ireland and Scotland

Video footage shared on social media shows the storm has already hit at Sailcoats, in Scotland, and many parts of Ireland including Cork, Kerry and Donegal.