WILD winds and rain are expected to hit the North this week.

The Met Office has issued a yellow weather warning for the region on Wednesay with high winds expected, as the remnants of Storm Helene sweep through followed by a low pressure system coming from Newfoundland.

Between 6am and 10pm on Wednesday, gusts inland could reach 50mph to 60mph in the North East and Yorkshire.

Disruption to transport, falling trees, power cuts and even danger to life from flying debris are all possible, the forecaster has warned.

Heavy rain is expected on Thursday but the worst affected areas are likely to be in western parts of Wales and the North-West.

Laura Ellam, deputy meteorologist with the Met Office, said: "Throughout this week we are expecting to see periods of strong winds across parts of the UK, as well as some heavy rain.

"Some very strong winds are possible in the northern half of the UK on Wednesday, then on Thursday areas further south could see a spell of persistent rain.

"The timing and development of both these systems remains uncertain, however, so please keep up to date with the warnings and forecasts."