NI experiences gusts and rain as unsettled weather moves in

Unsettled weather, more likely to be seen in dark winter months, has moved across Ireland and the UK on Thursday.

The low pressure Atlantic system, which has not been named as a storm, brought gusts in excess of 50mph (80km/h) to coastal areas of NI.

Inland areas of Northern Ireland have seen wind gusts peaking between 40-50mph this afternoon.

Even stronger wind speeds were recorded on the coast, particularly at north Down.

Katesbridge, in County Down, has recorded half a month's worth of rainfall in about half a day - 27mm, with more forecast.

The weather station at Orlock Head between Bangor and Donaghadee has been the windiest place in Northern Ireland.

It recorded peak gusts of 56, 61 and 62mph in consecutive hours this afternoon.

The gale force winds are coming from the east and the weather station at Malin Head, at the top of the Inishowen Peninsula in County Donegal, has seen gusts of 64.9mph in the hour up to 15:00 BST.

But even that is not the strongest winds recorded today.

The Needles on the Isle of Wight has seen gusts of 69mph, with the Mumbles in south Wales recording gusts of 68mph.

The Met Office said bursts of rain will lead to blustery conditions on Thursday, with between 40-60mm expected in places.

That could be enough to cause some localised flooding.

The unseasonal weather has led to a number of weather warnings being issued in the Republic of Ireland and southern Great Britain.

The strongest gusts of wind across the island of Ireland are expected towards the southwest where warnings are in place for counties Cork and Kerry until midnight.

Met Éireann is warning of gusts up to 70mph (110km/h) for both counties, with higher gusts possible in coastal areas.

The Irish weather service has also issued a rainfall warning for six counties along the west and south coasts - from County Clare to Waterford.

In the UK, the Met Office has issued warnings for southern Wales and southern England, warning of possible delays to transport as well as damage to outdoor temporary structures.

Although the unsettled system will continue to dominate our weather on Friday it won't be as wet or as windy with sunny spells and scattered showers forecast.

Saturday looks set to be the better day of the weekend before a return to sunny spells and scattered heavy showers on Sunday.

For those hoping for more seasonal weather - the wait continues into the foreseeable future.