GALE-force winds will batter the county today, the Met Office has warned.

The public is being warned road and rail networks may be affected and there could be damage to trees and buildings.

A yellow alert has been issued by the Met Office, meaning the public should "be aware" they could be facing serious weather conditions.

A statement by the Met Office said: "The strongest winds are expected to affect parts of Northern Ireland during the morning, before moving east across central and southern Scotland and into northeast England by evening.

"However, areas further south will not be immune, with the potential for strong gusts, particularly to the east of high ground.

"The public should be prepared for the risk of disruption to transport and of the possibility of damage to trees and structures. The public are advised to take extra care."

The tail-end of Hurricane Katia is expected to hit the UK today bringing "very windy weather" along with heavy rain.

For more information, visit www.metoffice.gov.uk/weather/uk/links.html