Terrifying weather maps show 88mph Storm Otto winds hitting UK today

17 February 2023 , 05:05

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Terrifying weather maps show 88mph Storm Otto winds hitting UK today

Storm Otto is set to bring disruption today as parts of the UK could be hit by ferocious gale-force winds.

The storm - named by the Danish Meteorological Institute (DMI) - will hit almost all of Scotland and much of north-east England from the early hours of Friday morning.

In a yellow weather warning, the Met Office said there could be "danger to life" posed by flying debris and advised drivers of high-sided vehicles to exercise caution.

The national forecasting agency added that some of the worst effects would be felt on the North Sea coast, and some damage to buildings and infrastructure could be possible.

Weather maps from meteorological platform Ventusky showed winds speeds reaching a powerful 88mph in North Yorkshire and parts of north-west Scotland.

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

Storm Otto could unleash ferocious winds of 88mph across the UK today (Getty Images)

Met Office chief meteorologist Andy Page said: "Storm Otto will bring high winds and rain to the UK, with some northern parts of Scotland and the north-east of England likely to get the strongest gusts of wind, possibly in excess of 75mph. Warnings have been issued and could be updated as Storm Otto develops.

"There's a chance of travel disruption and high-sided vehicles could be particularly prone to disrupted plans in this set-up.

Storm Otto's huge wind speeds first hit the UK at about 3am on Friday morning

"There's associated rain with Storm Otto, with 40-50mm of rain likely to fall over parts of western Scotland."

Otto is the first named storm to impact the UK this storm naming season, which began in September last year.

The majority of Scotland will be struck by Storm Otto at about 6am

The first storm named by the Met Office, Met Eireann or KNMI this season will be Storm Antoni in accordance with the 2022/23 storm name list.

Wind speeds are expected to calm by the weekend, according to Met Office forecasts, with some showers developing by Sunday afternoon.

Storm Otto will move away from the UK, toward Scandinavia, at 9am, producing mega 88mph winds

UK weather forecast:

Very windy across northern areas by Friday morning.

Friday:

Mild with occasional rain or drizzle in central and southern parts. Sunny spells and showers further north. Severe gales for parts of Scotland and northern England easing from the west.

Outlook for Saturday to Monday:

Rain and hill snow clears Scotland early Saturday, leaving sunny spells and isolated few wintry showers. Cloudier elsewhere, with rain at times. Further rain or showers Sunday and Monday. Mild.

Benedict Tetzlaff-Deas