WEATHER forecasters are warning of a possible risk of injuries and danger to life from flying debris in North Yorkshire when Storm Ciara arrives this weekend.

The Met Office's yellow warning says the storm - which may be the worst in seven years - will bring very strong winds and potentially some disruption to travel throughout Sunday.

York could see 55mph gusts at lunchtime on Sunday but exposed locations on the coast, such as Whitby, could get 75 mph gusts.

The warning says: "Injuries and danger to life from flying debris are possible..Some damage to buildings, such as tiles blown from roofs, could happen."

The warning also states there is a risk of injuries and danger to life on the Yorkshire coast from large waves and beach material being thrown onto sea fronts, coastal roads and properties.

Road, rail, air and ferry services may be affected, with longer journey times and cancellations possible, and some roads and bridges may close.

"Power cuts may occur, with the potential to affect other services, such as mobile phone coverage," it adds.

Network Rail and train operators in Yorkshire and the North East are urging passengers to check their individual journeys before they travel on Sunday, saying high wind speeds can cause damage to overhead line equipment.

"If this equipment becomes damaged, it can cause severe disruption for passengers," said a spokesperson.

"To try and minimise the impact the wind will have on the railway, speed restrictions of 50mph have been imposed along routes in the area."

The speed restrictions reduce the chance of overhead line equipment becoming damaged.

"However, this does mean that fewer services are able to run, and those which do run will take longer than usual.

"Strong gusts of wind can also lead to potential obstructions on the tracks, such as debris or fallen trees.

The safety of our staff and passengers is our main priority and extra teams will be out across Yorkshire and the North East.

"People who live near the railway are also encouraged to clear away garden furniture or trampolines.

"There is already a reduced service on the East Coast Main Line this weekend, as work continues on the £1.2billion East Coast Upgrade."

Matt Rice, Route Director for Network Rail, said: “We would like to reassure passengers that we are doing all that we can to keep them moving this weekend, but disruption to services is expected.

“We are well prepared for Storm Ciara and have extra teams working to allow as many trains as possible to run. We are working closely with train operators.

“With essential speed restrictions in place, we strongly advise passengers to allow plenty of time for their journeys, and to check before they travel via National Rail Enquiries or with their train operator.”

A second yellow warning has also been issued for heavy rain, which is likely to bring some disruption to travel with some flooding in places.

The Met Office says flooding of a few homes and businesses is likely, and bus and train services will probably be affected, with journey times taking longer and the possibility of some cancellations to services.

Spray and flooding on roads will probably make journey times longer and some road closures are possible, with a small chance of danger to life from fast flowing floodwaters.