STRONG winds and big waves will batter the Sussex coast this weekend - just days after Storm Ophelia hit the UK.

Gusts of 50mph are expected widely across southern England and the west of Wales on Saturday, and winds could reach 70mph in exposed areas.

The wild weather, caused by a low pressure system moving in from the Atlantic ocean, may cause coastal flooding and affect transport, the Met Office said.

A yellow weather warning for wind has been issued in affected areas, valid from 4am to midnight on Saturday.

Met Office forecaster Helen Roberts said: “We’ve got a spell of strong winds which is likely to bring some large waves as well.

“So there’s the potential for some coastal flooding in places and transport disruption.”

Saturday will be the worst day for Sussex with wind speeds of up to 70mph in exposed areas.

A yellow weather warning will be in place from 4am on Saturday morning until the end of the day.

The Sussex weather warning states: “Some coastal routes and communities are likely to be affected by large waves, with potential for flooding of properties.

“Some transport disruption is likely across the warning area, with delays to road, rail, air and ferry transport. Short term loss of power and other services is also possible.”

Those travelling across the weekend have been told to expect delays with the strong winds likely to lead to delays on the roads, trains and at airports.

Northern Ireland, one of the areas worst-affected by Storm Ophelia, is also braced for further disruption when a band of rain moves in from the west on Thursday.

A yellow weather warning for rain has been issued across the region, valid from 3pm to midnight.

Ms Roberts warned that heavy rain would be falling on already saturated ground and could cause flooding and affect properties.

She said: “It will be fairly patchy to begin with but then it looks like through the afternoon and into the evening it becomes heavier and more persistent and more widespread.”

Around 40mm of rain is expected in parts of Northern Ireland and 60mm is possible over the mountains.

Sussex managed to avoid the worst of the tailend of ex hurricane Ophelia, which hit Ireland, Northern Ireland, Wales and western England earlier this week.

Three were killed in the storm and there was significant disruption with trees down, schools closed and power out for several days.