A COASTGUARD has issued a warning to those venturing out this weekend.

Storm Arwen is due to batter the UK with high winds on Friday and Saturday, after the Met Office issued a yellow wind warning for Cumbria.

The forecaster warned that flying debris leading to injuries or danger to life is “likely”, with people also told to expect damage to trees and buildings, public transport cancellations, road and bridge closures, power cuts and large waves.

Millom Coastguard has issued a warning.

They said: "With the imminent arrival of Storm Arwen and yellow warnings in place, the seas have been unforgiving and we cannot stress enough that piers, rocks, harbours and the water’s edge are not safe places to be when the weather is bad.

"Playing chicken with waves is extremely dangerous. It can be slippery and because there is little to hold onto even a small wave can come out of nowhere and quickly wash you off and into the sea. Equally so, no photograph or selfie is worth risking your life for.

"We would urge people to think carefully about the risks they take and be extremely careful when near any body of water during bad weather. If you see anyone in trouble call 999 and ask for the Coastguard."

Stephen Dixon, a Met Office spokesman, explained: “The worst-affected areas will predominantly be on the coasts, with gusts of over 75mph bringing possible disruption to travel and longer journey times, power cuts, flying debris and large waves, with beach material being thrown around.

“As Arwen causes disruption there will also be the chance of snow in the coming days, especially in the higher regions of Scotland and northern England.

“There may also be some snow in the lower ground region of northern England, though this is likely to be short-lived and fall in the form of sleet or wintry rain.