Storm Agnes updates — Met Office issues yellow weather warning as UK to be battered by 80mph winds and heavy rain
STORM AGNES is set to batter the UK with strong winds and heavy rain as the Met Office issues a yellow weather warning for large parts of the country.
The yellow weather warning is in effect for the next 48 hours and covers large parts of England, Scotland, Northern Ireland and Wales.
Brits in affected areas can expect strong winds of up to 80mph along the coast and heavy rain over the next two days. Traffic disruptions are expected as some roads and bridges are likely to be closed.
Met Office chief meteorologist Steve Ramsdale said: “While the exact path and depth of Storm Agnes is still being determined, there is a high chance of wind gusts of around 50 to 60 miles per hour in some inland areas.”
“Exposed coastal areas could experience gusts of 65-75 mph, with a slight chance of around 130 mph in some locations.”
Read our Storm Agnes live blog below for the latest news and updates…
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More about today’s yellow weather warning
A series of Met Office weather warnings will be activated over the coming hours, with a yellow wind weather warning extending across much of the UK from midday on Wednesday until 7am on Thursday.
There are also two yellow rain warnings for areas of Scotland from 3pm until midnight on Wednesday.
Storm Agnes was described as “rapidly intensifying” in the Atlantic on Tuesday evening.
Wind speeds of up to 80 miles per hour are expected to develop, creating dangerous conditions along the coasts, particularly the Irish Sea coasts.
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With winds reaching 80 miles per hour, infrastructure could be impacted
Meteorologists warn of possible damage to buildings due to strong winds.
There is also a risk of power outages for some.
Traffic disruptions are expected as some roads and bridges are likely to be closed.
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When will Storm Agnes reach the UK?
Britain is expected to be hit by Storm Agnes today, but when will the weather worsen?
Northern Ireland is already experiencing rain and strong winds this morning.
Meanwhile, the north-east of England will see a change in the weather over the next hour.
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What did the Met Office say?
The Met Office has issued a yellow weather warning for today and tomorrow as Storm Agnes hits the UK.
Met Office chief meteorologist Steve Ramsdale said: “While the exact path and depth of Storm Agnes is still being determined, there is a high chance of wind gusts of around 50 to 60 miles per hour in some inland areas.”
“Exposed coastal areas could experience gusts of 65-75 mph, with a slight chance of around 130 mph in some locations.
“As well as some very strong winds for many, Storm Agnes will also bring some heavy rainfall, with the highest totals more likely in Scotland, northern England, Wales and Northern Ireland.”
“Around 60mm of rain is possible over plateaus in some places in Scotland.”
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What did the Met Office say?
The Met Office has issued a yellow weather warning for today and tomorrow as Storm Agnes hits the UK.
Met Office chief meteorologist Steve Ramsdale said: “While the exact path and depth of Storm Agnes is still being determined, there is a high chance of wind gusts of around 50 to 60 miles per hour in some inland areas.”
“Exposed coastal areas could experience gusts of 65-75 mph, with a slight chance of around 130 mph in some locations.
“As well as some very strong winds for many, Storm Agnes will also bring some heavy rainfall, with the highest totals more likely in Scotland, northern England, Wales and Northern Ireland.”
“Around 60mm of rain is possible over plateaus in some places in Scotland.”
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What is Storm Agnes?
Storm Agnes is a deep low pressure area in the Atlantic.
The storm is expected to reach the UK today, hitting the country with winds of up to 130km/h in some areas.
The storm is expected to weaken on Thursday.
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Storm Agnes will devastate Britain
Storm Agnes is expected to reach the UK as the Met Office issues a yellow weather warning for large parts of the country.
Met Office chief meteorologist Matthew Lehnert said: “Storm Agnes will approach south-west Ireland early on Wednesday and move northeast across Northern Ireland and Scotland before dissipating on Thursday morning.” Gusts of 45-55mph will be well inland and 50-60 mph expected over hills and coastlines.
“The strongest winds are expected to hit Northern Ireland, south west Scotland, west and north west Wales, Cumbria and Lancashire, where there may be gusts of 60mph in some inland locations and 65-75mph over hills and coastlines.” These are most likely to occur in the second half of Wednesday afternoon and into the evening.”