The UK Is Bracing For A 'Weather Bomb' And It's About To Get Insanely Windy

Heavy winds and 60-foot high waves threaten parts of the UK on Wednesday ahead of a massive Atlantic storm.

The system behind the storm is being called a "weather bomb", a term for when atmospheric pressure plunges in a short amount of time.

For the very deep low pressure system to form, a mass of cold air smashes up against an area of warm air. It's the sudden drop in pressure of the storm that makes it a bomb.

When the pressure drops, winds get stronger. Also, as the warm air rises when it comes into contact with the cooler air, it creates condensation, or clouds, that lead to heavy rainfall or snow.

The Met Office forecasts very strong winds for northern and central parts of the UK from Wednesday, lasting through the night into early Thursday.

A yellow wind warning blankets most of the UK, with a potential for storm force winds for parts of eastern and northern Scotland, as indicated by the orange regions.

"The public should be prepared for dangerous conditions, especially along causeways and coastal roads exposed to the west," the Met office said in a warning.

In Scotland, ferry and rail services have been cancelled and more than 17,000 people have been left without electricity.