Storm Ashley expected to strengthen into a Category 3 cyclone, with maps showing Britain bracing for 110mph winds

Storm Ashley is set to arrive in the Republic of Ireland, followed by parts of the UK from Sunday, as the Joint Cyclone Centre warned its winds could tonight reach 110mph

The UK is set to be hit with monster 110mph winds later tonight as Storm Ashley prepares to unleash its fury.

Earlier this week the Met Office warned the storm will bring strong winds and rain as amber alerts remain in place for millions of Brits. Named Storm Ashley by Met Éireann as it will impact the Republic of Ireland first, the Joint Cyclone Centre has now warned it could reach the strength of a category three hurricane, causing huge winds of 110mph.

The organisation reported on X: “Ashley expected to become a Category 3 cyclone later tonight.”

The area of low pressure is expected to track north eastwards and reach the UK early on Sunday morning. Amber and Yellow National Severe Weather Warnings for wind are currently in place for Sunday and Monday.

Met Office Deputy Chief Meteorologist Tony Wisson, said: “Storm Ashley will bring strong winds for most of the UK on Sunday before it clears on Monday, with a chance of some disruption across parts of Scotland, Northern Ireland, Northwest England and West Wales.

“A period of especially strong winds are expected on Sunday afternoon and evening in western Scotland, where gusts could potentially reach 70-80mph in exposed areas and an Amber warning for winds has been issued here.

The Met Office’s map shows the direction of the storm ( Image: MET Office)

“More generally 50-60mph are possible in some inland areas in other parts of the warning area, especially Northern Ireland and western Scotland, and perhaps up to 60-70mph along exposed coasts and hills. These strong winds in conjunction with high spring tides, may cause some disruption.”

Winds will ease as Storm Ashley pulls away to the east on Monday leaving a mix of sunny spells and scattered showers for many. Next week remains unsettled for many with some longer spells of rain in places. 

However, before that, there may be transportation issues tomorrow from Storm Ashley. Head of Transport Resilience at Transport Scotland, Ashleigh Robson, said: “Storm Ashley is set to bring widespread disruption for travel on Sunday and into Monday.

“Passengers should certainly check with their operator, and with some families off enjoying the October school holidays, we would advise them to play close attention to any cross-border travel updates too. The Multi Agency Response Team will be in position to take decisions, oversee the network, and advise the public and update Ministers over the weekend as the storm sweeps into parts of Scotland.”

Areas affected by Sunday’s orange warning

Highlands & Eilean Siar

• Na h-Eileanan Siar

• Highland

Strathclyde

• Argyll and Bute

Areas affected by Sunday’s yellow warning

Central, Tayside & Fife

• Angus

• Clackmannanshire

• Dundee

• Falkirk

• Fife

• Perth and Kinross

• Stirling

Grampian

• Aberdeen

• Aberdeenshire

• Moray

Highlands & Eilean Siar

• Na h-Eileanan Siar

• Highland

North West England

• Cumbria

Northern Ireland

• County Antrim

• County Armagh

• County Down

• County Fermanagh

• County Londonderry

• County Tyrone

Orkney & Shetland 

• Orkney Islands

• Shetland Islands

SW Scotland, Lothian Borders

• Dumfries and Galloway

• East Lothian

• Edinburgh

• Midlothian Council

• Scottish Borders

• West Lothian

Strathclyde

• Argyll and Bute

• East Ayrshire

• East Dunbartonshire

• East Renfrewshire

• Glasgow

• Inverclyde

• North Ayrshire

• North Lanarkshire

• Renfrewshire

• South Ayrshire

• South Lanarkshire

• West Dunbartonshire

Wales

• Ceredigion

• Conwy

• Gwynedd

• Isle of Anglesey

• Pembrokeshire

James Smith