FORECASTERS are no longer warning of strong winds set to hit the North West on Saturday.

The Met Office has changed its estimates on the scale of Storm Ciara, which will sweep over the UK in the next few days.

Previously, there were yellow weather warnings in place for the whole of the country on Saturday and Sunday but a change in these forecasts means that the storm will only impact Scotland when it first arrives.

However, when the weather does sweep south on Saturday there could be gusts of more than 50mph.

There will also be heavy rains which could cause some flooding and travel disruption.

Met Office Chief Meteorologist Frank Saunders said: “The Met Office will continue to monitor the development of Storm Ciara and other potentially impactful low-pressure systems through next week.

"Warnings will be issued and amended as appropriate so members of the public should keep up to date with the Met Office forecast via our website, app or by following us on social media.”

In the wake of Storm Ciara, it’ll remain unsettled and very windy across the UK and it’ll turn colder with wintry showers and ice an additional hazard, as we head into the new week.

Storm Ciara is the third named storm of the season which started in September. The naming convention now also includes the Dutch meteorological service, KNMI as well as existing partner Met Éireann.

Storms are named to aid the communication of approaching severe weather, helping the public to be better placed to keep themselves, their property and businesses safe.