BRITONS are being warned of a “likely risk to life” as Storm Ashley is poised to hit the UK with 80km/h gusts, huge waves and flooding.
The Met Office has warned of “very strong and gale-force southerly winds” as tomorrow’s weather conditions “intensify” rapidly.
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Storm Ashley is expected to bring fierce winds, with the Met Office warning of ‘danger to life’Credit: Cover images
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Winds of up to 90mph are forecast near the coast and could reach up to 80mph in parts of Scotland on Sunday afternoon
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The Met Office has issued both a yellow and yellow weather warning for Sunday
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Cambridge cyclists battling the rain this morningCredit: Bav Media
It comes as a deep area of low pressure moves in from the Atlantic, bringing Storm Ashley with widespread strong winds, particularly in northern and western areas.
Meteorologist Alex Deakin said in the forecast: “A fairly strong storm is developing mainly in the west of the UK.
“The central pressure dropped by Saturday morning a day apart, strengthening as the storm system approached.
“It will bring some potentially damaging gusts of wind to the Republic of Ireland but also to parts of the UK.
“We are particularly worried about Sunday. Saturday will be a nice day, dry and clear.
“But on Sunday, parts of North West England, North Wales, Northern Ireland and Scotland could see some damaging gusts of wind.
“We could see gusts of close to 90mph offshore, but parts of Scotland could see gusts of 60, 70, maybe 80mph on Sunday afternoon into the evening.
The Met Office has issued an amber weather warning for wind on Sunday, covering parts of Scotland and the Highlands.
It takes effect at 9 am and ends at midnight on the same day.
Meteorologists predict gusts could reach up to 80 miles per hour in exposed areas.
Storm Ashley approaches Ireland
Those affected can expect power outages and cell phone outages.
Public transport services are also likely to be delayed or cancelled, with road and bridge closures expected.
The Met Office warning reads: “Injuries and risk to life are likely due to large waves and beach material being thrown onto coastal roads, seashores and properties.
“Probably some damage to buildings, like blown roof tiles.”
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Cars driving through the waterway today in Dunsden, Oxfordshire Credit: Rex
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Met Office maps reveal the expected worst-hit areas
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A punctured lorry on the A249 has caused major traffic disruption near Sittingbourne in Kent following downpours from Storm Ashley this afternoonCredit: UKNIP
There is also a yellow weather warning for wind covering larger areas of the UK, including all of Scotland, Northern Ireland and the west coast extending down the midlands to Wales.
This notice runs from 3 a.m. Sunday until midnight.
Storm Ashley will continue to bring strong winds on Monday next week, with another yellow weather warning in effect.
It is back in force over the Scottish Highlands from midnight to 9am.
Chief Meteorologist Jason Kelly said: “A period of strong southerly to south-easterly winds is likely in western Scotland on Friday morning until early afternoon, before weakening and turning south-westerly during the afternoon.
“Wind gusts of 45-55 mph are possible fairly widely for a while, and possibly over 60 mph in more exposed locations.
Areas affected by an amber alert
Gorje and Eilean Siar:
- On h-Eileanan Siar
- Highland
Strathclyde:
“Given the wind direction and high spring tides, some disruption is possible.”
Transport Scotland has warned of possible disruption to public transport, including the country’s ferry network.
The statement said: “Windy spells are expected across the UK on Sunday and Monday, but there is an increased chance of some disturbances in parts of Scotland, Northern Ireland, north-west England and north-west Wales.
“These strong winds combined with high spring tides may cause some disruption.”
The Great South Run has also been canceled due to high winds and rain expected from Storm Ashley on Sunday.
Great Run, which organizes the annual 10-mile race in Portsmouth, said it was monitoring weather conditions and that they had “not improved to the point where we can safely stage Sunday’s event”.
In a statement, the Great Run said: “The predicted winds and gusts threaten our event infrastructure including our medical facilities at the finish line and around the course.
“This combined with high tide levels, possible debris and exposure along the coast means we cannot guarantee the event will be held safely. The safety of our participants, staff and volunteers is our number one priority.
“We did not take this decision lightly and throughout the week we worked closely with the Met Office, medical and safety teams, local authorities and key stakeholders to make the best informed decision.
“We know how disappointing this is and hope you understand why this decision has been made. Thank you for your patience and understanding.”
Entrants will be contacted by email on how to request a refund or defer their entry to the following year.
Meanwhile, conditions are drier in the south of England, with temperatures slightly above the seasonal average.
However, much of the south and southeast will be drenched in heavy rain this morning.
Heavy showers are also forecast for those across the Midlands and Manchester until around midday.
Conditions will clear by the afternoon, with just a few scattered showers expected in the north until Storm Ashley arrives tomorrow.
Sunny spells are forecast for much of the UK today, interspersed with cloud.
Britons in southern England are set to experience highs of 17C, while lows of 11C are forecast in Scotland, elsewhere figures will hover around 14C for most.
Stay safe in strong winds
Source; Met office
Protect your property from damage and other people from injury
Safe items such as;
- garbage containers
- pots for plants
- garden furniture (bring inside or secure on site)
- trampolines (turn upside down or secure with tent pegs)
- sheds (check that the doors are locked)
Follow the simple steps to prepare before your trip
- Plan your route, check for delays and road closures
- Listen to travel news on your car radio/satellite
- If you don’t have essential items in the car, pack for the worst (warm clothes, food, drinks, blanket, flashlight)
- Take a fully charged mobile phone with a car charger or battery
If you must drive, you can do so more safely by:
- Drive slowly to minimize the impact of wind gusts
- Be aware of vehicles/motorhomes with high sides on more exposed roads
- Be careful when overtaking vehicles/caravans with high sides
- Be sure to hold the steering wheel firmly
- Give cyclists, motorcyclists, trucks and buses more room than usual
Stay safe when you’re on the coast
- Check here for forecasts and sea changes in your local area
- Beware of big waves, even from the shore big breaking waves can knock you off your feet and drive you into the sea
- Be careful if you walk near the cliffs – know your way around and keep your dogs on a lead
- In an emergency call 999 (UK) or 112 (Ireland) and ask for the Coastguard
Avoiding injury if you are outside
Being outside in strong winds makes you more vulnerable to injury. Stay indoors as much as possible. If you do go out, try not to walk or take shelter near buildings and trees.
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The yellow weather warning is in effect until 9 a.m. on Monday
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Brits under umbrellas as they go for a punt on the River Cam in Cambridge todayCredit: Bav Media
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Saturday should remain mostly clear and dry before the storm hits tomorrow
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