The Met Office has issued a yellow weather warning for windy conditions on Thursday (March 12).

The warning is covering parts of Central, Tayside and Fife, East Midlands, Grampian, North East England, North West England, SW Scotland, Lothian Borders, Strathclyde, Wales, West Midlands, Yorkshire and Humber, the forecaster said.

Strong winds are set to hit the regions on Thursday at around 5am. The hazardous winds are expected to continue lashing the areas until 8pm. The Yellow alert for wind was announced at 9:42am on Wednesday, March 11.

A Met Office forecast said: "Strong winds are expected during Thursday associated with an active weather front moving southeastwards across the UK. Gusts of 50-55 mph are expected widely, with some coastal locations and areas downwind of high ground seeing gusts of 60 mph or even 70 mph in a few places. Winds will ease from the north through the day."

The advice from the Met Office read: "People cope better with power cuts when they have prepared for them in advance. It’s easy to do; consider gathering torches and batteries, a mobile phone power pack and other essential items.

"If you are on the coast, stay safe during stormy weather by being aware of large waves. Even from the shore large breaking waves can sweep you off your feet and out to sea. Take care if walking near cliffs; know your route and keep dogs on a lead. In an emergency, call 999 and ask for the Coastguard. Be prepared for weather warnings to change quickly: when a weather warning is issued, the Met Office recommends staying up to date with the weather forecast in your area."

Central, Tayside and Fife
Angus, Clackmannanshire, Dundee, Falkirk, Fife, Perth and Kinross, Stirling

East Midlands
Derbyshire, Lincolnshire, Nottinghamshire

Grampian
Aberdeen, Aberdeenshire

North East England
Darlington, Durham, Gateshead, Hartlepool, Middlesbrough, Newcastle upon Tyne, North Tyneside, Northumberland, Redcar and Cleveland, South Tyneside, Stockton-on-Tees, Sunderland

North West England
Blackburn with Darwen, Blackpool, Cheshire East, Cheshire West and Chester, Cumbria, Greater Manchester, Halton, Lancashire, Merseyside, Warrington

SW Scotland, Lothian Borders
Dumfries and Galloway, East Lothian, Edinburgh, Midlothian Council, Scottish Borders, West Lothian

Strathclyde
East Ayrshire, East Dunbartonshire, East Renfrewshire, Glasgow, North Ayrshire, North Lanarkshire, South Ayrshire, South Lanarkshire

Wales
Conwy, Denbighshire, Flintshire, Gwynedd, Isle of Anglesey, Wrexham

West Midlands
Staffordshire

Yorkshire and Humber
East Riding of Yorkshire, Kingston upon Hull, North East Lincolnshire, North Lincolnshire, North Yorkshire, South Yorkshire, West Yorkshire, York