PEOPLE are being warned against posing for "storm selfies" which could put their lives in danger.

As Storm Barney hits the UK, with gusts of up to 80mph forecast for exposed coastal areas, the public are being urged not to try to take photographs of themselves along promenades and breakwaters as they are battered by waves.

Barney, the second storm powerful enough to be given a human name by the Met Office will bring gale or severe gale force westerly winds this afternoon and evening, generating large waves around exposed coasts in south west England and the English Channel.

While some localised spray and waves coming over sea defences is possible, the overall coastal flood risk is very low, the Environment Agency.

But the agency and the Royal Society for the Prevention of Accidents (RoSPA) are warning people not to put themselves at risk to capture dramatic moments along the coastline, and to avoid driving along promenades with spray or through flood water.

Neil Davies, duty flood risk manager at the Environment Agency, said: "The power of Mother Nature is a fascination to us all - and taking storm selfies may seem exhilarating - but over the last few years we've had an increasing number of people putting themselves and family members at severe risk along coastal paths and promenades.

"Floods destroy so take care and be prepared. Find out if you are at risk and sign up for early flood warnings. Stay safe and act now to be better prepared for flood to reduce the impact it could have on your family, your home and your business."

David Walker, leisure safety manager at RoSPA, said: "We understand the temptation to view powerful tides and weather conditions, however, if you get caught up or swept out to sea in these events your life will be at risk very quickly and our rescue services will also be at great risk.

"Listen to the advice of the coastguard and the police about safe places to be. Floods are devastating so do not be afraid to seek medical help or support."

Last year coastal flooding led to people taking risks to capture images of the sea, while videos of people getting swept along roads by waves became internet hits, the two organisations said.

Heavy rainfall is also predicted in Northern Ireland, Wales and north-west England as well as the strong winds, which could disrupt flights from Heathrow and Gatwick airports, as well as other transport.

AccuWeather meteorologists have predicted rainfall from Barney to generally total around 25mm (one inch), but as much as 50mm (two inches) may fall in some areas.

Meteorologist Eric Leister said: "Barney will be a fast-moving storm, bringing locally strong winds to southern Ireland and the southern UK beginning midday Tuesday and continuing into Tuesday night."

A yellow "be aware" warning for strong winds has been issued for parts of Wales, southern, central and eastern England for this afternoon and into the evening, as a series of low pressure systems move in from the Atlantic bringing unsettled weather.

There is also a weather warning for rain in the next few days centred on the north west of England and Wales, coming hard on the heels of torrential rain which saw rivers burst their banks and localised flooding affecting roads, farmland and train services.

The Met Office is warning that given the already saturated conditions, communities could see more floods from standing water or swollen rivers that could lead to travel disruption.

The strongest winds were expected across the Western Isles and north-west coast, before easing over the course of today.

There is due to be a change in the weather at the end of the week with colder air spreading from the north, bringing wintry showers to the northern UK, particularly over the hills.

Despite the threat of more bad weather, the Environment Agency said the flood risk across northern England was receding - although river levels will remain high in the week ahead.

In particular, the River Ouse in North Yorkshire and York will remain high until Thursday, where there could be further localised flooding, the agency said.

Elsewhere, many flood warnings for rivers have been removed, although 22 are still in place, along with dozens of flood alerts.

RAC spokesman Simon Williams said: "Barney will affect drivers further south than Abigail did, so many will be having to deal with their first real dose of strong autumn winds. We urge anyone on the road in the thick of the storm to slow down and leave plenty of space behind the vehicle in front.

"Motorists should resist the temptation to drive through standing water unless they are sure it is shallow enough to get through safely, otherwise it could prove to be a very costly mistake."

More than 20,000 homes were protected by Environment Agency flood schemes this weekend, according to the organisation which deployed more than 600 metres (2,000ft) of temporary defences with the help of 20 military personnel, to protect homes at Braystones, Whalley, Warwick Bridge and Ribchester.

Craig Woolhouse, director of incident management at the Environment Agency, said: "The flood risk will recede across northern England over the coming days, although river levels will remain high.

"The public should remain alert to the risk of flooding and stay away from raging rivers. With so much standing water around, we ask people to stay out of flood water and not attempt to walk or drive through it."

  • The weather warning is valid from 4pm today until 11.30pm.