NORTH Shropshire residents are being warned of heavy rain to accompanying a previous weather warning for high winds as Storm Bella will blow through.

Storm Bella has officially been named by the Met Office as strong winds and heavy rain are forecast from Boxing Day for at least 24 hours.

After a relativity calm and cold day on Christmas Day, conditions across the UK will turn increasingly unsettled with strengthening winds and heavy rain moving in from the north from Boxing Day until December 27.

An Amber national severe weather warning has been issued for parts of south Wales and across southern England, with gusts expected to reach up to 60-70mph in exposed coastal locations.

A Yellow warning for wind for the whole of England and Wales as well as the far south of Scotland has also been issued and will be in force from 3pm-12pm, December 26-27.

The strong south-westerly winds will develop across parts of northern England and the far south of Scotland on Saturday afternoon, before transferring south-eastwards across the rest of England and Wales into Sunday morning, clearing by early Sunday afternoon.

Inland gusts of 50-60 mph are likely, with the potential for 60-70 mph in some locations. Hills and coasts exposed to the south-westerly winds could see gusts of 70-80 mph.

In addition to the strong winds, a period of heavy, squally rain will affect western and southern areas.

A Yellow warning for rain has been issued for parts of Scotland, Wales and much of north and south west England, particularly where there has already been flooding from recent heavy rain.

Combined with strong winds, the rain will lead to some hazardous travelling conditions.