The first named storm of the season is looming as the county prepares to be battered by gale-force gusts.

Met Eireann, the Irish Met Office, has named Storm Ashley this morning after a system of low pressure made its way over the Atlantic.

Gale force nine gusts have been forecast to hit Norfolk although the heart of the storm will bring the strongest winds to Northern Ireland and Scotland.

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Coastal areas around Great Yarmouth are to be the worst affected in the region with 48mph winds blowing in on Sunday afternoon.

In-land gales in Norwich, Diss and Thetford will all reach peaks of 42mph at around midday.

READ MORE: Met Office issues another weather warning for Norfolk

A spokeswoman for the Met Office said: "Norfolk and the east of England should expect strong winds and perhaps gales at times on Sunday with a chance of some rain, especially in the afternoon.

"Storm Ashley will bring strong winds for most of the UK on Sunday before it clears on Monday."

After the unsettled weekend the weather is predicted to become much more settled with sunny spells and temperatures in the mid-teens forecast throughout next week.