WARNINGS have gone out urging people to 'stay safe' as Storm Ciara brings gale force winds, treacherous waves as well as road and rail disruption to the region.

North Wales is bracing itself as the storm sets in bringing gusts between 50mp-80mph plus in some areas. Heavy rain is also expected to bring disruption to roads and travel.

The Met Office has issued a yellow wind warning for most of north west Wales and the north-western parts of the UK for Saturday, followed by a yellow wind warning for the whole UK on Sunday.

Motorists are advised to be aware of road conditions, made worse by heavy rain, surface water and spray. Delays for high-sided vehicles on exposed routes and bridges are expected.

Two A55 lanes will close today (Saturday) between Gwynedd and Anglesey. Traffic Wales has Tweeted there will be a lane two closure on the A55 today in both directions for essential "traffic management measures.

"The A55 lane two in both directions will close between Llanfair PG, (junction 8) and Bangor (junction 10) from 3pm today and until further notice."

North and Mid Wales Traffic Wales also reports that: "Severe weather warnings issued due to Storm Ciara means that on Sunday there is a high possibility that the A55 Britannia Bridge will be closed to ALL vehicles for a period of time."

Transport for Wales and Network Rail continue to urge all customers to check their journeys prior to travel as rail services have been cancelled. SP Eneregy Network has issued advice to customers on its website in anticipation of power outages.

The Stena Line UKIE ferry service from Holyhead to Irleland has Tweeted that Storm Ciara "may cause some disruption to our services this weekend."

The weather is also affecting tourist destinations. In Bangor Plas Newydd and Penrhyn Castle will be closed this Sunday, February 9, due to high winds.

Penrhyn Castle said on Twitter its dog walking, beginners running group and Breeze Cycle events will all be cancelled.

Plas Newydd House and Garden Tweeted: "Unfortunately, due to the predicted high winds this Sunday, February 9, Plas Newydd will remain closed.

We apologise for any inconvenience this may cause. Please stay safe everyone. (The gardens, shop and kiosk will be open on Saturday as usual, 11am-2.30pm).

The RNLI Holyhead Lifeboat crew took to Twitter to warn people "not to put themselves at risk for the sake of taking a dramatic photograph or having a bit of fun," as dangerous waves hit the coastline.

They have urged people keep dogs on leads, and say if pets or people do get into trouble in or near the sea "don't go in after them; phone 999 and ask for the coastguard."

In a Tweet they said: "A yellow wind warning has been issued for most of north west Wales and the north-western parts of the UK on Saturday, followed by a yellow wind warning covering the whole UK on Sunday.

"Although the warning below focuses on Sunday, the weather is already worsening, so be mindful from now until the storm passes. Stay safe, everyone. RNLI, Storm Ciara,Anglesey."

Met Office Chief Meteorologist, Frank Saunders, said: “Storm Ciara will bring damaging winds and heavy rain across the UK this weekend and we have issued a range of severe weather warnings giving people time to prepare for potential impacts of the storm.

“Winds will increase through Saturday across Northern Ireland, Scotland, northern England and Wales, before turning very windy across the rest of UK through the early hours of Sunday morning.

"Gusts of 50 to 60 mph are expected quite widely across inland areas, with even stronger gusts of 80mph or higher along coastal areas."