Met Office issues major storm warnings as Britain braces for 85mph winds

28 January 2024 , 18:00

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Met Office issues major storm warnings as Britain braces for 85mph winds

The Met Office has issued two storm warnings as Britain braces for winds up to 85mph.

The first warning, for heavy rain, will be in effect from noon on Monday until 5am on Tuesday. It warns that heavy downpours may lead to flooding and travel disruptions, particularly for evening commuters. Areas affected include Durham, Blackburn with Darwen, Blackpool, Cumbria, Greater Manchester, Lancashire, North Yorkshire and West Yorkshire.

The Met Office said: "Rain will become prolonged and heavy at times during Monday afternoon and evening, easing from the west overnight. Around 20-30 mm of rain will fall widely with 40-50 mm in a few places, mainly over high ground." Residents in these areas are advised to check their homes for flood risk and prepare an emergency kit.

Travel plans may need to be changed at short notice, and weather warnings may be updated quickly. The second warning is for strong winds from 7am to 7pm on Wednesday. This alert covers Eilean Siar, Highland, Orkney Islands and Shetland Islands and is more concerning due to the projected wind speeds.

The first warning, for heavy rain, will be in effect from noon on Monday until 5am on Tuesday (WXCharts)

The Met Office has issued a warning, stating: "Very strong southwesterly winds will develop during Wednesday, easing again from the west later in the day. Gusts of 65-75 mph are likely, with a few places perhaps seeing gusts of up to 85 mph at times." They've also warned of a "danger to life" due to large materials being blown off coastlines and onto pathways and vehicles.

Gales, snow and rain to batter country today with 80mph wind gusts

It warns that heavy downpours may lead to flooding and travel disruptions, particularly for evening commuters (WXCharts)

There's a chance that buildings could be damaged, with tiles being blown off roofs. Some homes may experience blackouts, and mobile phone coverage may be interrupted. The Met Office added: "There is a small chance of injuries and danger to life from flying debris."

This Met Office weather warning for wind is for January 31 (Met Office)

Public transport cancellations may occur with little warning, affecting ferries and flights. High-rise bridges may also shut suddenly if winds exceed certain speeds. This comes as weather maps predict near-freezing winds pushing across from the east from early this week, with northern Scotland expected to see the most wind damage.

In a brief forecast for this week, the Met Office said: "It will be dry on Tuesday, though turning wet and windy from Wednesday with severe gales in the northwest. It will be staying unsettled on Thursday, though not as windy. It will be feeling very mild through the week."

This Met Office weather map shows were warnings are for rain for January 30 (Met Office)

Tonight, rain will move southwards, reaching northwest Wales and northern England by morning. Scotland and Northern Ireland will be clearer, though there will be cloud and hill fog in the south. Winds will ease and it will turn chilly under clear skies.

* An AI tool was used to add an extra layer to the editing process for this story. You can report any errors to [email protected]

Victoria Chessum