POWYS residents have been warned to brace themselves for the impact of Storm Francis today.

A deep area of low pressure crossed into the United Kingdom overnight, bringing wind gusts of 60mph and potentially 70mph in exposed location.

The Met office has predicted heavy rain and issued an amber wind warning for all of Wales and most of England until midday on Wednesday.

Large waves are also expected in coastal areas around the south west including the Bristol Channel, throughout Tuesday, moving along the English Channel as the day progresses.

Chief meteorologist Andy Page, said “The UK is in for another unseasonably wet and windy spell with Storm Francis arriving on Tuesday.

"There will be strong winds and heavy rain, especially in the west of the UK. A number of severe weather warnings have been issued and these warnings can be updated regularly so please keep up to date with the latest Met Office forecast."

What is going to happen in Powys?

Locally heavy rain has been predicted to hit Powys from 6pm tonight.

Flood alerts are in force in in areas around the Dyfi from Llanbrynmair to Dinas Mawddwy, including Machynlleth. Natural Resources Wales has issued an alert for the River Vyrnwy, River Tanat and River Cain and their tributaries.

The Met Office expects the wind to be strongest in Newtown between 4pm and 8pm, and the rain is forecast to be strongest between 6pm and 8pm.