Homes in 75 cities across the UK are being warned to charge their phones and make an emergency kit this weekend due to Storm Darragh.

A red severe weather alert is in force for parts of Wales and south west England where winds of over 90mph hit overnight, with the Met Office warning of possible danger to life due to flying debris and falling trees.

The red alert is in place until 11am but weather warnings across most of the UK will remain in force until 9am on Sunday morning, including a slew of yellow and amber wind, rain and snow warnings.

The Met Office is warning the storm could cause power cuts and mobile phone outages, with homes in affected areas being urged to prepare by charging their devices and making an emergency kit, including batteries, torches, charging power banks and candles.

The national forecaster said: “Don't risk injury to others or damage to your property. If you can do so safely, check for loose items outside your home and secure them. Items include; Christmas decorations, bins, garden furniture, trampolines, tents, sheds, and fences.

"People cope better with power cuts when they have prepared for them in advance. It’s easy to do; consider gathering torches and batteries, a mobile phone power pack and other essential items.

"If you live or work on the coast, beware of large waves, even from the shore large breaking waves can sweep you off your feet and out to sea. In an emergency, call 999 and ask for the coastguard."

Yellow, amber and red weather warnings are currently in force across the following UK cities:

England

Northern Ireland

• Armagh - Amber

• Bangor - Amber

• Belfast - Amber

• Lisburn - Amber

• Londonderry - Amber

• Newry - Amber

Scotland

• Aberdeen - Yellow

• Dundee - Yellow

• Dunfermline - Yellow

• Edinburgh - Yellow

• Glasgow - Yellow

• Inverness - None

• Perth - Yellow

• Stirling - Yellow

Wales

• Bangor - Red

• Cardiff - Red

• Newport - Amber

• St Asaph - Amber

• St Davids - Red

• Swansea - Red

• Wrexham - Yellow