UK weather: Storm Agnes to batter Brits with warnings for travel chaos after torrential rain and 80mph winds

STORM Agnes will hit Britain with warnings of travel chaos after torrential rain and 80mph winds.

The Met Office yesterday issued severe weather warnings for the first named storm of the season, which runs from September to August next year.

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They start tomorrow and will remain in place for 48 hours.

Storm Agnes will move into western areas of the UK and Ireland on Wednesday, with the strongest winds likely to be along the Irish Sea coasts, although it will be a very windy day across the UK.

Agnes will devastate coastal areas but also flood the north, with up to 2.5 inches of rain expected.

The yellow weather alerts include warnings of chaos on roads, rails and in the air.

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.

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.”

Agnes is expected to weaken later on Thursday as the UK moves further north.

Following this system, rain will move into southern areas late on Thursday and Friday, with some heavy outbreaks possible in some areas of England and Wales.

Calmer weather is expected over the weekend, although northern and western areas could continue to experience rainfall for some time.

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