Storm Ciaran, which forecasters say will be 'exceptionally intense' is predicted to hit northern France and the English Channel this week, bringing winds of up to 140km/h, before moving to central then southern France, according to the Local France.

The storm is forecast to blow in from the west, hitting the northern and western French coastlines on Wednesday evening and continuing into Thursday. Weather warnings are also in place for southern England.

As of Tuesday morning, a total of 18 départements, the majority along France's western coastline, were on 'yellow' alert for possible flooding. Three départements in Brittany, the Morbihan, Finistère and Côtes d'Armor were on yellow alert for wind, while northern Corsica (Haute-Corse) was on 'orange' level alert for high winds.

The heavy rain and very high winds are likely to affect ferry crossings on the Channel - anyone with a crossing booked is advised to check with their travel operator nearer the time.