The Met Office has issued warnings of a 'winter weather bomb', which is set to hit parts of the country today, bringing strong winds and rain.

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Wintry showers, which have also been forecast for northern and central parts, could turn to significant snowfall on higher ground.

There is a yellow weather warning in place in North Wales, Northern Ireland, parts of Northern England and Scotland.

The 'weather bomb' is a deep low pressure system moving eastwards from the Atlantic. Strong winds are likely to sweep the country until early on Thursday, and power outages are possible in some areas.

The Met Office's Chief Forecaster said on Tuesday that the low pressure system is set to move slowly eastwards between Scotland and Iceland, but that "There remains some uncertainty in the track and depth of this low and therefore in the exact wind strengths and timings."

The Met Office said further updates can be expected as the weather system develops.