HEAVY rain and strong winds are set to hit Somerset as a handful of weather warnings are in place.

The Met Office has issues two yellow warnings for wind and rain today (Friday), as thunderstorms are set to hit the South West.

Coastal areas are expected to see winds of up to 60mph, while other areas could feel gusts of up to 40mph.

Somerset County Gazette:

A spokesman said: "Unseasonably strong southwesterly winds are expected to cause some disruption.

" Gusts of 40-50 mph are expected inland and to around 60 mph around the coasts - particularly in association with heavy showers."

The warning for rain covers much of the country, with the newly-issued wind warning covering Cornwall, Devon, and parts of Somerset.

A second warning for wind has also been issued for Saturday, again covering much of the country.