The UK is bracing itself for Storm Barra as it travels across the country, with the possibility of a 'weather bomb' on its way.

What is a weather bomb?

The Met Office says that a weather bomb can occur when the central pressure inside an area of low pressure or Storm falls "at a very rapid rate."

These are known as 'bombs' which lead to violent winds developing around the system.

A 'weather bomb' is the unofficial term given to a process known as explosive cyclogenesis.

This is where the central pressure falls 24 millibars in just a 24 hour period.

A jet stream high up in the atmosphere causes this rapid acceleration of air, removing air from the column, reducing its weight and causing pressure to fall at sea level.

The Met Office added:"This in turn sucks in air and then converges from surrounding regions resulting in faster and faster rotation of the circulation,  in the same way that ice skaters spin faster by drawing their arms in.

"The resulting winds peak over a period of a few hours and can be strong enough to bring down trees and cause structural damage."

Storm Barra brings heavy winds, snow to UK

Storm Barra, the second storm of the season, is the name given to the deep area of low pressure moving in from the Atlantic on Tuesday, December 7.

The storm which follows Storm Arwen in late November, will bring strong winds, sleet, snow, rain and ice to the UK.

A Chief Meteorologist at the Met Office, Frank Saunders said: “Strong winds arriving across the west through Tuesday morning, will spread inland and reach eastern areas through the afternoon and early evening.

"Gusts of 45-50 mph are expected widely, with 60-70 mph in exposed coastal locations.

"The strongest winds will ease across inland areas into the overnight period.”