STORM Dennis is expected to bring very heavy rain, flooding and disruption to travel over the weekend.

A yellow weather warning is in place through the weekend, with strong wind and heavy rain expected.

And the Met Office is advising people of what to expect, and how they can best cope with the wind and rain heading their way.

This includes potential flooding to homes and businesses, delays and cancellations to train and bus services, difficult driving conditions, and possible power cuts.

A Met Office spokesman said: "Gales are the most common cause of damage and disruption in the UK.

"Between 1962 and 1995, 184 deaths alone were caused by building failures resulting from wind.

"The majority of damage reports come from domestic dwellings. The average cost of damage each year is at least £300 million."

Before the storm, you should:

  • Secure loose objects such as ladders, garden furniture or anything else that could be blown into windows and other glazing and break them
  • Park vehicles in a garage, if available; otherwise keep them clear of buildings, trees, walls and fences

During the storm:

  • Stay indoors as much as possible
  • If you do go out, try not to walk or shelter close to buildings and trees
  • Keep away from the sheltered side of boundary walls and fences - if these structures fail, they will collapse on this side
  • If possible, enter and leave your house through doors in the sheltered side, closing them behind you
  • Take care when driving on exposed routes such as bridges, or high open roads, delay your journey or find alternative routes if possible
  • Slow down and be aware of side winds, particular care should be taken if you are towing or are a high sided vehicle
  • Do not drive unless your journey is really necessary

After the storm:

  • Be careful not to touch any electrical/telephone cables that have been blown down or are still hanging
  • Do not walk too close to walls, buildings and trees as they could have been weakened
  • Make sure that any vulnerable neighbours or relatives are safe and help them make arrangements for any repairs