Households urged to lock doors and windows on Sunday and Monday

Households across the UK are being urged to lock their doors and windows on Sunday and Monday as winds up to 70mph are forecast. The Met Office has warned that more unsettled weather is on the way this weekend, with heavy showers, thunderstorms and strong winds on the cards for much of the country. Yellow weather warnings have been issued from 8pm on Sunday, September 14, until 6pm on Monday, September 15, with gusts expected to reach up to 70mph in some areas. The weather warning for wind covers nine regions of the UK in England and Wales, with households in the affected areas told to prepare for travel disruption and possible power cuts.

The Met Office said: "Strong west or southwesterly winds will arrive across coastal areas of southwest England and Wales during Sunday evening, then develop more widely inland during Monday morning. Gusts of 45-55 mph are expected widely inland, with gusts of 60-70 mph possible at times along exposed coasts and hills. Winds will only slowly ease from the west later in the afternoon and into Monday evening." Ahead of the unsettled weather, households are being urged to lock their doors and windows to protect their homes and gardens from the powerful gusts.

The Met office has advised people to remove any loose items from gardens, such as outdoor lights, lanterns, hanging baskets and mirrors, as these could easily smash and break in blustery conditions.

Households are also urged to check road conditions before driving, or bus and train timetables, and to prepare for power cuts by gathering torches, batteries, mobile phone power packs and other essential items.

In its advice on staying safe during storms, the Met Office says: "Secure loose objects such as ladders, garden furniture or anything else that could be blown into windows and other glazing and break them.

"Close and securely fasten doors and windows, particularly those on the windward side of the house, and especially large doors such as those on garages. Park vehicles in a garage, if available; otherwise keep them clear of buildings, trees, walls and fences.

"Close and secure loft trapdoors with bolts, particularly if roof pitch is less than 30°. If the house is fitted with storm shutters over the windows then ensure that these are closed and fastened. If chimney stacks are tall and in poor condition, move beds away from areas directly below them."

Steven Walley, landscaper and gardening expert from London Stone, warns it is important to take steps to protect your home during windy and rainy weather to prevent as much damage as possible.

He added: "Nature is extremely powerful and heavy wind and rain can cause severe damage to your garden through flying debris or flooding.

"To prevent as much harm as possible, it's important to ensure we're taking precautions to protect our homes in harsh weather conditions. Make sure all doors and windows are locked shut. If you know a storm or weather warning is set to take place in your region, start taking precaution.

"First, make sure that there are no obvious entry points by making sure all windows and doors are locked shut. This will help to prevent damage from heavy rain seeping in and will help to reduce pressure on windows from strong winds."