FORECASTERS have sent out a warning to all those in the path of Storm Helene, which is expected to pass over the North West.

Experts expected the former hurricane to calm somewhat as it approached the UK but the Met Office has now sent out a 'danger to life' warning as winds are set to hit speeds of up to 80mph.

Storm Helene will travel up the West Coast on Monday and Tuesday, hitting Wales and travelling through parts of the North West.

There is also a chance that the weather could bring power cuts and some roads and bridges are expected to close.

In a statement, the Met Office said: "Storm Helene is expected to push north-east towards the UK late Monday, before clearing quickly to the north of Scotland through Tuesday morning.

"There remains large uncertainty in Helene's exact track, however a spell of very strong winds is expected, initially for parts of south-west England and west Wales, then later south-west Scotland and the south-east of Northern Ireland.

"Winds are likely to gust to 55-65 mph quite widely in the warning area, with possible gusts of 70-80 mph in exposure."

There is also a chance that rail, air and ferry services may be affected in some areas, with longer journey times and cancellations possible.

Met Office bosses have even warned of heavy waves in coastal areas, with the potential for injuries as the sea pulls up items from beaches.