Strong winds and heavy rain are set to batter the UK as Agnes, the first named storm of the season, sweeps across the country later this week, the Met Office said. The storm will affect western regions of the UK and Ireland on Wednesday, with the most powerful winds expected on the Irish Sea coasts. Gusts of up to 80mph are possible in some places, with inland areas forecast to see gusts of 50mph to 60mph. Scotland, Wales, Northern Ireland and northern England will also see heavy rainfall, with the possibility of up to 60mm in high-altitude areas of Scotland. Steve Ramsdale, a Met Office chief meteorologist, said: “While the precise track and depth of Storm Agnes is still being determined, there’s a high likelihood of wind gusts around 50 to 60mph for some inland areas. Exposed coastal areas could see gusts of 65 to 75mph with a small chance of a few places seeing around 80mph. “As well as some very strong winds for many, Storm Agnes will also bring some heavy rain, with the highest totals more likely in Scotland, northern England, Wales and Northern Ireland. Around 60mm of rain is possible in a few places over high ground in Scotland.” A yellow warning for wind has been issued for a large area of the UK, with a rain warning also issued for parts of Scotland. The Met Office said the wind warning highlights the chance of some damage to buildings from strong winds, as well as the possibility of power cuts for some. Transport disruption is also possible, with some roads and bridges likely to close, the forecaster said. Agnes is the first named storm of the storm-naming season, which runs from September to August the following year. The storm is expected to diminish in the UK on Thursday as it weakens and moves further north. Following that system, rain will move into southern areas late on Thursday and into Friday, with some heavy bursts possible for some areas of England and Wales. However, a ridge of high pressure from the south is expected to bring a period of more settled weather throughout the weekend, though some showers could continue in northern and western areas.