Thrillseekers urged to avoid 'storm selfies' as Storm Barney batters Britain

People hoping to photograph dramatic weather have been warned to avoid posing for "storm selfies" as Storm Barney prepares to batter Britain with 80mph winds.

The Environment Agency and the Royal Society for the Prevention of Accidents (RoSPA) issued a joint call for people not to risk their lives by taking photographs of themselves along wave-battered promenades and breakwaters.

Storm Barney, the UK's second officially named storm after Abigail last week, hit southern parts of the UK on Tuesday resulting in heavy downpours and winds of up to 80mph.

The gale force conditions are likely to generate huge waves around the British coastline.

Neil Davies, duty flood risk manager at the Environment Agency, said: "The power of Mother Nature is a fascination to us all – and taking storm selfies may seem exhilarating – but over the last few years we’ve had an increasing number of people putting themselves and family members at severe risk along coastal paths and promenades.

"Floods destroy so take care and be prepared. Find out if you are at risk and sign-up for early flood warnings.

"Stay safe and act now to be better prepared for flood to reduce the impact it could have on your family, your home and your business."