Gusts of up to 70mph are buffeting parts of the UK - with the worst of the weather forecast for the end of the week.

South west England, south Wales and Scotland were being hit by strong winds with the Met Office issuing yellow warnings for strong winds and heavy rain.

But conditions could worsen towards Thursday and Friday as winds strengthen.

Tom Tobler, of Meteogroup, the Press Association's weather arm, said 70mph gusts had been recorded in Devon.

"Anywhere along the south coast could see gusts of up to 70mph - it is windy everywhere particularly around the western and south coasts. Tomorrow is another windy day particularly through Scotland and northern England."

He added this week was "particularly active" despite strong winds not being unusual for this time of year - and Thursday going into Friday could potentially be "the strongest winds of the week".

In Scotland, snow and strong winds could leave commuters facing rush hour disruption, the transport minister has warned.

The Met Office issued severe weather warnings of snow for eight regions of Scotland for a 24-hour period.

Forecasters have also warned of strong winds with gusts of up to 80mph possible across Argyll and Bute and winds of more than 60mph a possibility throughout the Central belt.