The warning, which covers Northern Ireland, northern parts of England and southern Scotland, will also now remain in place until 6pm on Wednesday, forecasters said.

The area covered by the amber warning was increased to include more of the North-East of England.

The Met Office said debris could lead to injuries or pose a danger to life, while damage to buildings and travel disruption is likely.

A caravan has blown off a cliff with a woman inside in the west of Ireland.

Police and emergency services are at the scene.

They arrived at Claddaghduff, Co Galway, on Wednesday morning amid high winds caused by the storm.

Around 20,000 homes and businesses, mainly in the south-west of Ireland, have been left without power.

Irish police confirmed a woman died after a caravan was blown off a cliff in the west of Ireland.

A Garda statement said: "Gardai at Clifden Co Galway are investigating an incident which occurred at Claddaghduff, Co Galway this morning.

"At approximately 7.45am a report was received that a caravan had blown off the cliff at the above location.

"A search was carried out at the scene on the beach and after a short time the body of a female in her 50s was recovered.

"Her body is expected to be removed to University College Galway (UCG) for a post-mortem examination. The local coroner has been notified."

Irish President Michael D Higgins expressed his condolences to the family of the woman who died in Co Galway.

"Today's strong winds can result in dangerous situations and I would urge everyone to heed the warnings by the authorities and take caution when travelling or when out in the open," he said.

"I was deeply saddened to learn that Storm Ali has already claimed one victim today in Claddaghduff, Co Galway. As President of Ireland, may I express my deepest condolences to her family.

"I would also take this opportunity to pay tribute to all those, in statutory and voluntary organisations around the country, who are helping and stand ready to assist their fellow citizens, and who are working to maintain essential services around the country."

Gale-force winds from Storm Ali with gusts of over 140 kilometres per hour have caused damage to the electricity network affecting more than 140,000 homes, farms and businesses, Ireland's electricity supplier said.

The damage is mainly attributable to fallen trees on overhead lines as a result of the high winds.

There are around 32,000 homes without electricity in Northern Ireland.

NI Electricity said it expected that number to rise throughout Wednesday as Storm Ali sweeps across the region.

The network provider said 70mph winds had seen trees, branches and other flying debris bring down power lines and poles.

The majority of faults are located in the Omagh, Dungannon and Enniskillen areas.