Parts of the UK face being battered by hurricane-speed winds which threaten to rip down trees, cause transport chaos, and cut power supplies, forecasters have warned.
The risk of a severe storm has been highlighted by the Met Office, which it said could see gusts of more than 80mph, especially on exposed coasts in the South.
A storm is classed as a hurricane when it has sustained winds of 74mph or higher.
Unsettled weather is expected to continue into the weekend with further spells of heavy rain and strong winds.
But moving into Sunday night and Monday morning, the Met Office warn there is a risk of a 'significant' storm developing.
Based on current predictions, some areas could see some of their strongest winds for a number of years it says.
A strong jet stream and warm air close to the UK, are both contributing to the development and strength of the storm.
Eddie Carroll, Chief Forecaster at the Met Office, said: "There is still a chance this storm may take a more southerly track and miss the UK, bringing impacts elsewhere in northern Europe, but people should be aware there is a risk of severe weather and significant disruption."
Chris England, meteorologist at the Sky News weather centre, said: "There's the potential for some exceptionally strong winds late Sunday through Monday morning, particularly over the southern half of the UK, with potentially damaging gusts of 80-90mph in exposed parts.
"But we are really talking about something that doesn't exist yet, so the forecast of the track, the timing, and the intensity are still open to change.
"It's really a warning of potential at the moment and something to keep an eye on."
Normally Atlantic storms of this type develop much further to the west of the UK and are waning in strength by the time they reach the UK and Ireland.
This storm is more unusual, developing much closer to the UK and potentially moving across the country while still in its most powerful phase.
