GUSTS of up to 70mph could hit Inverclyde this afternoon as Storm Brendan sweeps in, prompting the Met Office to issue a weather warning.

A weather warning for the area has been issued for the next two days, warning of heavy rain and brutal winds.

Met Office bosses have warned of “a very windy period” across the west of Scotland from 10am.

The storm is expected to reach Inverclyde around lunchtime, with very high winds and spells of heavy rain to continue through the afternoon and into the evening.

The east coast will not escape the impact of the storm either, with winds of 40-50mph possible.

After a mostly cloudy start, it will turn wet and windy as Storm Brendan approaches the local area.

Met Office forecaster Simon Partridge said: “As it pushes though, pretty much every part of the UK will feel the influence.”

Everywhere in the UK will see rain on Monday at some point, he said, adding that the storm will move through pretty quickly.

The Met Office warning added that disruption to travel is “likely”.

Forecasters are warning that coastal routes, sea fronts and coastal communities like Inverclyde may be affected by spray or large waves.

There may also be some short term loss of power and other services.