People should be prepared for the risk of falling trees, public transport disruptions, and building damage when violent gusts of wind batter the area on Monday.

The Met Office has warned that 80mph gusts of wind could sweep through south London, Surrey and the south of England in the early hours of October 28.

The amber warning said there was the potential for gusts of over 80 mph especially on exposed coasts in the south of England.

It said: "A very intense low pressure system is forecast to run northeastwards across the country early on Monday, bringing the potential for an exceptionally windy spell of weather for southern parts of the UK.

"At the same time, persistent, heavy rain could cause some surface water flooding.

"At this early stage there is uncertainty about the timing, intensity and track of the low. However, the public should be prepared for the risk of falling trees as well as damage to buildings and other structures, bringing disruption to transport and power supplies.

"A strong, high-level jet is expected to engage warm low level air to give rise to a rapidly moving low pressure system later on Sunday.

"This is expected to run northeastwards, probably across England and Wales, with very strong winds on its southern and western flanks.

The alert is in place for midnight on Sunday until 9pm on Monday.