UK Braces for Monster Storm with 80mph Winds and Heavy Rain That Could Bring Chaos
The UK is gearing up for a fierce 63-hour weather onslaught, with gales reaching speeds of up to 80mph and multiple weather warnings in place throughout the coming days, reported by the Express. Weather experts have raised concerns over the next four days, as strong winds and heavy rain will persist, with at least one weather alert active for the entirety of the period. The most significant warning, which covers large areas of England and Wales, will kick off on Friday at 3pm, with additional advisories for strong winds expected from Thursday evening into Friday.
The Met Office has issued a stern warning about the storm’s intensity, stating: “Winds may quite widely gust to around 40-50mph inland but locally could gust in excess of 60mph, whilst around coasts, winds may gust to 60-70mph, perhaps locally nearer 80mph. The wind and rain may cause disruption to travel, with difficult driving conditions likely”, by the London Evening Standard.
Heavy rain is set to drench regions like Wales and the Midlands, with up to 70mm of rain predicted, particularly between Friday night and Saturday morning. Currently, three flood warnings are in effect, and this number is expected to rise as the situation unfolds.
The Met Office continued: “A deep low may cross England and Wales from Friday afternoon, clearing to the east Saturday night. The low may bring a period of strong winds to much of the warning area, with some heavy rain likely to the north and west of the low centre, and some hill snow in the north (above about 200 metres).”
The rain is expected to be particularly heavy in central, northern, and western parts of England and Wales, with areas on higher ground seeing as much as 50-70mm of rain. Wales is at the highest risk of flooding, with certain exposed regions in danger of seeing the worst impacts.
Meanwhile, temperatures have plummeted across the country, with the mercury dipping below -4°C in Aboyne, Aberdeenshire, on Wednesday. Forecasters predict that Saturday will be the coldest day of the weekend, with biting winds adding to the chilly conditions.
Strong gusts could cause significant damage, including dislodging tiles from roofs, and power cuts are a possibility, potentially affecting other services like mobile phone coverage. The Met Office has advised people to stay alert for disruptions as the storm moves through.
Looking ahead to next week, calmer weather is expected on Tuesday, with only scattered showers in the Southeast. However, the cold northern winds will continue, ensuring temperatures remain stubbornly low, setting the stage for a frigid December.