STORM Ashley could bring 70mph gusts into Cumbria this weekend as the Met Office issued a weather warning for most of the county. 

A yellow weather warning for wind has been put in place from 3am on Sunday, 20 October until 12 noon on Monday, 21. 

The Met Office has warned that gusts could reach up to 60-70mph along exposed coasts and hills. In general, winds are expected to reach 55-65mph in the warning area. These winds in conjunction with high spring tides may cause some disruption. 

The warning covers the Lake District, all of the coastline and Carlisle. The storm is the first one to hit the UK in the 2024/2025 season, and it was named by the Irish meteorological service Met Éireann on Friday morning.

The yellow weather warning means that the strong winds could cause disruption on Sunday and into Monday. There is a small chance of longer journey times or cancellations, power outages and road or bridge closures. There may be damage to buildings, such as tiles being blown off, and danger to life from large waves and beach material being thrown onto sea fronts. 

The office has asked for walkers to take care if near cliffs and to keep dogs on a lead. In an emergency, call 999 and ask for the Coastguard.