The UK is currently bracing itself for some severe weather conditions as weather warnings have been issued for heavy rain and strong winds with gusts of up to 80mph. The Met Office has issued a yellow warning for gusty conditions, with winds ranging from 65-75mph in certain areas, starting from 4pm today in north and northwest Scotland until Thursday morning. Following this, a second warning for strong and gusty winds on Thursday and Friday has been issued, with potential disruptions expected on the roads and railways in various parts of the UK.
Impending Weather Conditions
The warnings cover a vast area across the UK, including Northern Ireland, parts of Scotland, north Wales, northern England, the north Midlands, and East Anglia. Inland gusts are expected to reach between 40-50mph, while along exposed coasts through the North Channel and Irish Sea, gusts could reach 60-70mph. Forecasters are also predicting heavy showers at times, adding to the challenging weather conditions.
Precautionary Measures
The Met Office has advised those living on the coast to stay safe during the stormy weather by being cautious of large waves. A third warning for strong winds and heavy rain is set to come into effect for England and Wales from Friday afternoon, with winds potentially gusting up to 80mph in certain regions. This could lead to difficult driving conditions, travel disruptions, and flooding in some areas, especially on exposed higher ground in the north and west of the UK.
Shipping Area Alerts
Shipping areas around the UK have also been put on alert for intense winds, with two specific areas – Faeroes and Bailey – warned of storm force 10 and the risk of violent storm force 11. This level of wind force involves gusts of 69 knots (79mph), just below hurricane force, which could pose significant risks to maritime activities.
As this breaking news story continues to develop, stay tuned for more updates on the evolving weather conditions. Remember to refresh the page for the latest information or download the Sky News App for breaking news alerts on your smartphone or tablet. Stay safe and be prepared for the severe weather ahead!