Storm Pia is set to rock Oldham today, with its strong winds bringing a "danger to life".

The Met Office has issued a yellow weather warning taking place today, with gales reaching speeds of up to 55mph expected to sweep across the borough.

It said: "Overnight Wednesday into Thursday, strong west to north westerly winds are likely to develop across a large swathe of the country.

"Quite widely winds are expected to gust 45 - 55mph, with stronger gusts, possibly reaching 65 - 70mph, over and to the east of high ground, mainly across the north of the warning area."

"However, the strongest winds are likely to be across the far north and northeast of Scotland, including the Northern Isles during the morning. Here, gusts of 70 - 80mph are possible for a time."

It continued: "The system has been named Storm Pia by the Danish Met Institute, as impacts are expected to be greater here.

"Winds will slowly moderate from the west Thursday evening."

The warning has been in place from midnight and will run till 9pm of Thursday and brings a "small chance" of longer journey times, or cancellations, as roads and bridge closures may be put in place.

The blustering gales may cause some damage to buildings, such as tiles blown from roofs, as the Met Office warned that there may be injuries and danger to life from flying debris.

While mobile phone coverage could also be affected as power cuts may occur.

In Oldham, people can expect heavy rain for the majority of the day, while tomorrow, residents should expect more rainfall.

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