Storm Ashley is expected to sweep across the UK

October 19, 2024, 11:24 am

Storm Ashley is expected to hit the UK with strong winds and heavy rain – as the Met Office announces a “danger to life” weather warning.

The storm is expected to hit Northern Ireland, Scotland, parts of Wales and northern England.

The Met Office has issued a severe weather warning about the storm, stating: “Injury and danger to life is likely from large waves and beach material thrown onto coastal roads, sea fronts and properties.”

Storm Ashely, which marks the first named storm of the season, follows a week of exceptionally hot weather in October, where parts of the UK experienced 20C heat.

North-west Scotland has been issued an amber weather warning, which runs from 9am on Sunday until midnight.

All of Scotland and Northern Ireland, as well as some parts of north-west England and Wales, have also been issued a yellow warning. This alert will be between 3am and midnight.

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Tony Wisson, deputy chief meteorologist at the Met Office, said: “Storm Ashley will bring strong winds to most of the UK on Sunday before clearing on Monday, with a chance of some disruption in parts of Scotland, Ireland and North, northwest England and west Wales. .

“A period of especially strong winds is expected on Sunday afternoon and evening in the west of Scotland, where gusts could potentially reach 70-80mph in exposed areas and an amber wind warning has been issued here.

“More generally, 50-60mph is possible in some inland areas in other parts of the warning area, especially in 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, could cause some disturbances.”

As these regions brace for strong gusts of up to 80 mph, power outages are also a likely byproduct of Storm Ashley, potentially impacting cell phone coverage.

There is also the likelihood of damage to buildings, including roof tiles.

Travel is also expected to be heavily affected by the heavy blows, according to Ashleigh Robson, Head of Transport Resilience at Transport Scotland: “Storm Ashley is expected to bring widespread disruption to travel on Sunday and Monday.

“Passengers should certainly check with their operator and, as some families are enjoying the October school holidays, we recommend they pay close attention to any cross-border travel updates too.

“The Multi-Agency Response Team will be in a position to make decisions, oversee the network and advise the public and update ministers over the weekend as the storm batters parts of Scotland.

“Strong winds can cause particular difficulties for heavy vehicles and we urge drivers to take note of the conditions as the possibility of debris on the roads and falling trees on some roads is a strong possibility. The forecast rain will make visibility difficult while driving and may result in some localized flooding.”

Ferry services, rail services and flights may also be disrupted.

Storm Ashley may eventually ease as it travels east on Monday, with ‘sunny spells’ and ‘scattered showers’ to follow.

Next week could be “unstable”, with some parts of the UK experiencing long periods of rain.

The formation of Storm Ashley likely began Friday night off the coast of Canada.

On Friday evening, Met Office meteorologist Aidan McGivern said: “At the time of recording, Storm Ashley was on the other side of the Atlantic and was a relatively shallow area of ​​low pressure.

“It deepens rapidly as it is picked up by the jet stream during Saturday and ends up as a particularly deep area of ​​low pressure, with a widespread band of gales and wind gusts exceeding 60 mph in many parts of the west and north of the country. “

He added that gusts will strengthen in the early hours of Sunday, while rain is forecast across the west of the UK and Northern Ireland.

Winds of 50 to 60 mph and rain are likely to hit the western regions of the UK, with coastal areas being worst affected.

However, the north and west of the UK will be the worst hit areas, with gales of 70mph to 80mph likely.

Chief Superintendent Hilary Sloan, head of roads policing at Police Scotland, said: “The amber warning for high winds means a strong likelihood of disruption and as such motorists are advised to plan ahead and avoid unnecessary journeys.

“If you are traveling, make sure your vehicle has enough fuel and is roadworthy. Make sure your cell phone is fully charged and bring additional clothing and water with you.

“Please do not ignore any road signs warning of speed changes or route closures.”