A ‘very widespread’ storm is forecast to hit Britain with strong winds and heavy rain later as multiple amber warnings come into force, the Met Office has said. Storm Isha – the ninth storm since September – is expected to bring winds of up to 80mph, potentially causing power cuts and increased congestion as roads and bridges are likely to be shut, while rail and bus services could face delays and cancellations.
The Met Office issued amber weather warnings for wind for northern and western England, Wales, Northern Ireland, and parts of Scotland from Sunday evening into Monday. Another warning will come into effect across parts of Sussex and Kent from Monday morning. Forecasters also warned of large waves and flying debris being blown inland in coastal areas, posing a potential risk to life and damage to buildings.
Yellow warnings for rain and wind are in place for the rest of the country over the next two days, and eight flood warnings are already in place across England. The heaviest rain is expected today, with 30mm to 50mm in many places and 80mm to 100mm in hillier areas.
Met Office forecaster Ellie Glaisyer highlighted the unique nature of Storm Isha, stating, “The main thing about this storm is it is very widespread across the whole of the UK. Quite often we see storms affecting the northwest or the southern half of the UK, whereas this one, later on Sunday and into Monday, the whole of the UK is covered by a warning, which is relatively rare. In that nature, it’s a very widespread storm and it’s going to be affecting everybody. Heavy rain will affect everybody, those strong winds will affect everybody. That’s the main difference to previous storms we have seen.”
East Midlands Railway expects “significant disruption” on Sunday and Monday, while Police Scotland advised people to avoid unnecessary travel. Road users are urged to be cautious of water on the roads, spray from other vehicles, fallen branches, and potential blockages. The storm’s impact may also disrupt ferry services and cause delays to trains and plane travel.
Warmer weather is expected alongside the storm’s adverse conditions, with highs of 13C possible. However, Met Office meteorologist Alex Burkill cautioned that the strong winds, rain, and clouds could overshadow the milder weather, making it feel less warm. Temperatures will remain on the mild side throughout the weekend and much of next week, with isolated frost possible in some areas, if at all.
From Tuesday afternoon until midday on Wednesday, a yellow wind warning will be in place covering Northern Ireland, north Wales, northern England, and much of Scotland. It is important for residents in these areas to remain vigilant and take necessary precautions to ensure their safety during this storm.
Storm Isha poses a significant threat to the UK due to its widespread nature and potential for strong winds and heavy rain. It is crucial for individuals and authorities to heed the warnings and make necessary preparations to minimize the potential damage and disruption caused by this storm. Stay safe and take extra precautions during this challenging weather period.
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