These pictures from Leeds city centre show people battling through the wind and rain as the full force of the storm hits. Pictures by YEP photographer Simon Hulme:
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The Met Office has never had two named storms in August since the process started in 2015, but Francis comes on the back of Ellen which struck last week and caused power outages across the country. Photo: Simon Hulme
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In Leeds, a yellow rain warning has been in place since midnight, lasting until 9am on Wednesday. Photo: Simon Hulme
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A wind warning will be in place from 9am today (Tuesday) for 24 hours. Wind gusts in Leeds could reach up to 40mph. Photo: Simon Hulme
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Storm Francis will bring some very strong winds leading to disruption to travel and power supplies along with potential damage to trees, according to the Met Office. Photo: Simon Hulme
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Forecasters said the winds were “unusual” for August, but would have to go some way to beat the current record wind gust speed of 87mph recorded at The Needles on the Isle of Wight in August 1996. Photo: Simon Hulme
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Likewise, the wettest August on record in the UK was in 1912 when 167.3 mm was recorded across the country as a whole. Photo: Simon Hulme