Storm Antoni: Events cancelled as UK is hit by heavy rain and strong winds

Events have been cancelled across the UK as Storm Antoni hit parts of the country, bringing heavy rain and strong winds up to 70mph.

The Met Office issued a danger to life warning after the storm hit late Friday night, and it will stay in place for southwestern areas of England and Wales until 7pm on Saturday.

Falling trees, riptides and inadequate building structures are some of the dangers people should look out for on Saturday during the amber wind warning, the weather service warned.

The storm has also forced organisers of some outdoor events scheduled to take place this weekend to cancel their plans.

Watch: Warnings issued as Storm Antoni set to hit the UK this weekend

Eliot Walker, organiser of the annual Dorset jazz festival, Stompin’ On The Quomps, said he was “disappointed” he had to postpone this year’s event due to Storm Antoni.

The free festival in Christchurch Quay was forced to cancel its activities for the first time in its 30-year history.

Around 10,000 people had been expected to attend on Saturday.

The decision was driven by concerns for the safety of traders and spectators although it is hoped the festival can be rearranged.

The opening day of the Great Dorset Chili Festival was also cancelled due to bad weather conditions.

The much-awaited festival was supposed to kick off on Saturday at Stock Gaylard deer park.

The Chale Show in the Isle of Wight was unable to go ahead.

The event, which showcases thrilling motorbike shows, sheepdog displays, and live performances, will now take place on Sunday only.

The Loders Fete in Bridport was cancelled as well. However, the organisers have come up with a "Plan B Event" as an alternative, which will take place at the Village Hall.

Met Office meteorologist Tom Morgan said the storm, which is the first to be named by the Met Office this season, could see winds of up to 70mph on the coast and 60mph inland.

He said: “Storm Antoni is now tracking east into the Irish Sea and will continue to move east across England and Wales.

“With it being the holiday season and it being a Saturday there will be plenty of local events going on, (Storm Antoni) wouldn’t necessarily bring the same level of impact if it was in the winter.

“For August this is very unusual."

A yellow warning for “unseasonably windy weather” is in place for southern parts of the UK until 8pm on Saturday and a yellow thunderstorm warning has been issued until 10pm for south east England and East Anglia.

Saturday will also feel “unseasonably chilly” with some areas not rising above 15C, and highs of 19 or 20C on the south coast, Morgan added.

But Sunday is set to be brighter and less windy with no weather warnings in place, with temperatures up to 22C in the south.

And temperatures will start to rise next week, reaching a peak of 27C or 28C on Thursday in the south east, highs that have not been seen in the UK since June, the forecaster added.