UK households have been told to pack torches and power banks today ahead of this weekend. The Met Office has issued yellow weather warnings for wind, snow and rain from 2pm tomorrow (April 4) to 12pm on Sunday (April 5).

Storm Dave will cover Wales (Aberystwyth, Conwy), the North of England (Newcastle, Carlisle, Liverpool, Leeds), all of Northern Ireland (Derry, Belfast), and all of Scotland (Dumfries, Edinburgh, Glasgow, Inverness, Aberdeen, Wick). Gusts of 50-60mph are expected widely inland, with gusts of 80-90 mph possible along exposed coasts and hills.

This could result in delays to road, rail, air and ferry transport. It is also possible that some coastal routes, sea fronts and coastal communities will be affected by spray and large waves.

Because of this, the Met Office has urged households to stay safe in several ways, including buying torches, batteries and power banks in case of power outages. Those in affected areas have also been asked to secure loose items in the garden and close all windows and doors.

During a storm, stay indoors as much as possible. If you need to go outside, walk away from buildings and trees, avoid sheltered sides of walls and fences and drive slowly on exposed routes with side winds.

If you’re at the coast, check forecasts and tides for your area in case of flooding or large waves, take care on cliffs and keep your dog on a lead.

The Met Office forecast for the weekend says: “Storm Dave moves northwards across Northern Ireland and western Scotland, bringing cloud, rain and strong winds. Coastal gales likely here, but drier further south. Staying windy but mild.

“Sunday begins with heavy rain, hill snow and gales, followed by showers mainly north. Monday turns clearer, frosty and dry. Tuesday sees cloud and patchy rain west, warm east.

Today: Cloudy and breezy with rain and drizzle slowly clearing, but lingering in the south. Some brighter spells developing in the north with sunshine and scattered showers, some heavy and wintry over higher ground. Feeling warm in the south.

Tonight: Light rain clears most areas except the far south before returning north later. Elsewhere clear spells with northern showers, wintry on hills. Patchy frost in Scotland, Northern Ireland and England.

Saturday: Storm Dave moves northwards across Northern Ireland and western Scotland, bring cloud, rain and strong winds. Coastal gales likely here, but drier further south. Stay windy but mild.

Outlook for Sunday to Tuesday: Sunday begins with heavy rain, hill snow and gales, followed by showers mainly north. Monday turns clearer, frosty and dry. Tuesday sees cloud and patchy rain west, warm east.