The so-called “weather bomb” which is battering parts of the country will completely bypass Suffolk, a leading forecaster has said.

Stormy weather is causing disruption across northern parts of the UK with power cuts, ferry and train cancellations and difficult driving conditions.

The Met Office has issued an amber “be prepared” warning for the west coast of Scotland, the Highlands and Islands, Orkney, Shetland and Northern Ireland

But Jim Bacon, forecaster at East Anglia-based Weatherquest, said the stormy weather will not hit the region – although blustery winds could reach 40mph.

Mr Bacon said: “It is going to be a fairly quiet day. Parts will be breezy but we won’t get any of those damaging winds.

“We will have a spell of weather that will produce a little bit of blustery weather at times with gusts of about 35-40mph.

“It will be slightly stronger overnight but it will still not be extreme.

“Between the Faroe Islands and Iceland it did behave like a bomb a few days ago…now it is a winter low travelling past the north of Britain.”

Mr Bacon said temperatures are likely to be around 6C (43F) today and predicted stronger winds to hit the region on Thursday night and Friday morning.

Meanwhile, police have urged drivers to take extra care on the roads.

Chris Spinks, chief inspector for the joint Norfolk and Suffolk roads policing and firearms unit, said: “Bad weather increases the risk of accidents happening on the road so it is important drivers take extra care.

“Heavy rain can cause poor visibility so make sure you use your headlights, and leave plenty of distance between you and the vehicle in front of you. Surface water can be difficult to see in the rain so make sure you reduce your speed to give yourself the chance of avoiding it if possible.”

Motorists are advised to make sure cars are in full working condition before journeys, including checking headlights, brakes, and windscreen wipers.

Police said cyclists and pedestrians are particularly vulnerable in bad weather and should consider alternative methods of transport. If you are planning to cycle, you should have lights on in poor visibility and wear bright, reflective clothing, so that other road users can see you as soon as possible, a force spokesman added.

Chief Inspector Spinks added: “Strong winds can cause obstructions in the roads and flying debris so it is important drivers pay particular attention, and expect the unexpected – you don’t know what hazards could be round the corner such as fallen trees.

“High-sided vehicles such as caravans and HGVs can become unstable as a result of such winds.”