Storm Agnes updates — Met Office issues yellow weather warning as UK is battered by 80mph winds and heavy rain
STORM AGNES battered the UK with high winds and heavy rain yesterday as the Met Office issued yellow weather warnings across much of the country.
Set to end today, the yellow weather warning covers much of England, Scotland, Northern Ireland and Wales.
Brits in affected areas can expect high winds of up to 80mph on the coast and heavy rain over the next day, transport disruption is expected, with some roads and bridges likely to close.
Met Office Chief Meteorologist Steve Ramsdale said: "While the precise track and depth of Storm Agnes is still being determined, there’s a high likelihood of wind gusts around 50 to 60mph for some inland areas.
"Exposed coastal areas could see gusts of 65-75 mph with a small chance of a few places seeing around 80mph."
Read our Storm Agnes live blog below for the latest news and updates...
What to expect today
The Met Office has shared its latest forecast for today.
It's going to be a warmer, drier day for most people across Britain, but patches of rain are expected as Storm Agnes continues to linger.
Winds will continue to be higher than average across parts of England, Northern Ireland, Wales and Scotland.
Who names storms?
When the criteria for naming a storm is met, either the Met Office, Met Éireann in Ireland or the Dutch weather service KNMI can name a storm.
Once a name has been chosen, the Met Office publish details via their website and social media channels.
If other mereological agencies name storms first, then the names are adopted by the Met Office, Met Éireann and KNMI.
The UK, Ireland and the Netherlands work together to name storms, however, elsewhere in Europe, Portugal, Spain, Luxembourg, France and Belgium collaborate.
In pictures: Storm Agnes hits the UK
Here are some snaps from yesterday as the UK was battered by its first storm of the season.
Winds of 83mph recorded in Wales
Winds of 83mph were recorded in North Wales yesterday, the Met Office reports.
Storm Agnes battered coastlines and left many areas at risk of flooding amid high winds and heavy rain.
The Met Office's yellow weather warnings are set to clear later this morning as conditions settle.
Windy weather to continue today despite improvements
Storm Agnes will continue to batter the UK today, with high winds expected in Northern Ireland, England, Scotland and Wales.
Temperatures will rise compared to yesterday and many will see dryer conditions, but areas in the north of England and Scotland could still experience gale-force winds.
Met Office warns of 'danger to life'
The Met Office has warned of "danger to life" as Storm Agnes' 80mph winds batter the UK.
The Met Office said: "A spell of strong winds is expected to move northeast through Wednesday, with a small chance that they could be significantly disruptive.
";There is a small chance of injuries and danger to life from flying debris."
How long will Storm Agnes last?
Storm Agnes is expected to brief but powerful, with its effects diminishing by this afternoon.
The Met Office said: "Storm Agnes’s influence on UK weather is expected to diminish later on Thursday as it weakens and moves further north.
"Following that system, rain will move into southern areas late on Thursday and into Friday, with some heavy bursts possible for some areas of England and Wales.
"However, as we move towards the weekend, a ridge of high pressure from the south is expected to bring a period of more settled weather, though some showers could continue in northern and western areas for a time."
In pictuers: Roads flooded in Cork as Storm Agnes hits Ireland
Roads have been flooded in Cork, Ireland this afternoon as Storm Agnes batters the UK.
The Met Office has issued yellow wind and rain warnings across much of Northern Ireland, England, Wales and Scotland as Brits face winds of up to 80mph.
What to expect from heavy winds
The Met Office has warned of the following consequences from todays storm warnings.
- Injuries and danger to life from flying debris are possible
- Some damage to buildings, such as tiles blown from roofs, could happen
- Some power cuts are likely to occur, with the potential to affect other services, such as mobile phone coverage
- Road, rail, air and ferry services may be affected, with longer journey times and cancellations possible. Some roads and bridges are likely to close
- There is a small chance of injuries and danger to life that could occur from large waves and beach material being thrown onto sea fronts, coastal roads and properties, with a chance of some minor flooding of coastal roads
Met Office yellow warnings
The Met Office has warned that today's storm Agnes will bring heavy rain and strong winds.
Here is what you can expect:
- Spray and flooding on roads probably making journey times longer
- Bus and train services probably affected with journey times taking longer
- Flooding of a few homes and businesses is possible
How do you find out when yellow weather warnings are in place?
There are a number of ways you can be alerted to severe weather warnings in the UK.
Most people rely on radio and TV to find out the latest breaking weather news.
If the UK is experiencing particularly bad weather and storms it can make the headlines.
Others go straight to the source and visit the , while others sign up to phone apps, RSS and email alerts so they can be notified while they're on the go through push-notifications.
It is always helpful to pass on weather warnings to family and friends by sharing them on , and other social media to spread the word.
How are storms named?
The Met Office asks the public to put forward suggestions for names using an online form every year.
The Met Office then draws up a list based on the names that were popular across all the submissions, along with some that have compelling reasons behind them.
One example from the 100,000 names chosen in 2021 is Storm Logan, a reference to a goalkeeper grandson who was as "quick as lightning".
The list runs from early September until late August and includes one name for every letter of the alphabet, except for Q, U, Y, X and Z.
It alternates between male and female for each letter.
When the next storm hits, the next letter in the alphabet is chosen - so, the first storm after the start of September will start with "A".
And this is on show today as Storm Agnes batters the UK.
Beware of leaves on roads as Storm Agnes batters the UK
Leaves on the ground are an indicator that autumn has arrived, but they can also hide some potentially fatal banana skins.
Dominic Wyatt, an expert from the , warns: "Wet leaves on the road can be as slippery as ice.
"They obscure pavement markings and hide potholes and other road irregularities."
Public transport to be impacted as Storm Agnes batters UK
Officials have warned that Storm Agnes could bring disruption to Scotland's trains and roads.
Stein Connelly from Transport Scotland said: “Storm Agnes is the first storm of the year and it’s expected to bring some disruption to the transport network, so we’d ask people who are looking to travel to plan their journeys ahead of time.
“Traffic Scotland will have regular updates on the trunk road network on it’s webpage - my.trafficscotland.org – and via its , including details of ‘wind based’ closures for the major bridges around the country.
“The conditions could also lead to disruption on other modes of transport, so if you’re planning to travel by train, ferry or air, you should check with your operator to see if your service is affected.”
Will Storm Agnes hit London?
Storm Agnes is fast approaching England, but will the capital be hit with high winds and heavy rain?
Well, while winds may pick up, the Met Office's yellow weather warning has not been issued for London.
Its forecast for today reads: "Any early low cloud clearing to give a mostly fine and warm day Wednesday, becoming increasingly windy through the afternoon and evening however as storm Agnes affects the northwest of the UK, with occasional showers arriving from the west later. Maximum temperature 22 °C."
How to keep your garden safe as Storm Agnes hits
A gardening pro has given five key tips to protect your garden as Storm Agnes approaches the UK.
The Met Office has issued severe weather alerts for the first named storm of this season, which will bring torrential rain and 80mph winds.
But as storm Agnes approaches the western areas of the UK and Ireland, avid gardening fans are also advised to ensure their garden and patio areas are ready to tackle the weather.
Here to help and share his top tips and advice is plant pro Sean Lade, gardening expert and director of , who explained how to prevent damage.
Flood risks in Scotland as Storm Agnes hits
The Scottish Environment Protection Agency has warned of potential flooding as Storm Agnes approaches the UK.
“Flooding impacts are possible, particularly in south-west and central areas (of Scotland). Along the south-west coast, we may see waves overtopping and flooding of causeways, promenades, properties and roads," the agency said.
“Impacts are expected to be localised and around high tide. We may also see minor flooding impacts from surface water and rivers. Flood alerts and warnings are being issued as necessary and we continue to work with the Met Office to monitor the situation 24/7.”
More tips on driving during storms
Other tips to stay safe when driving in high and strong winds include the following:
- Avoid overtaking
- Keep your distance from other vehicles - especially high-sided vehicles and caravans
- Avoid towing
- Don't take your roof box with you - leave it at home as this can increase the impact of crosswinds on your vehicle
- Be vigilant and look out for debris in the road - if you spot twigs or small branches on your journey, this could indicate that a tree or branch may be in the way around the next bend
- Plan ahead
- Keep an eye out for hanging trees
- Keep to main roads
- Park safely to avoid damage and danger - try not to park near or under trees, telephone wires or poles that could be at risk of falling on your car
- If your vehicle is susceptible to strong wind conditions, consider delaying your journey until weather conditions improve if you can
How to stay safe while driving in high winds
There are a number of tips to keep in mind in order to stay safe when driving in high and strong winds.
Drivers are advised to keep both hands on the wheel firmly to provide extra control and to prepare for any stronger winds that may be on the way.
Motorists should also pay attention to the speed when driving in high or strong winds.
The AA advises drivers to keep their speed down to minimise the impact of wind gusts, to take care and to leave extra room for motorcyclists and cyclists - it's important to not only keep yourself safe, but also other road users.
Infrastructure could be impacted amid 80mph winds
Forecasters are warning of the potential for some damage to buildings from strong winds.
There is also a threat of power cuts for some.
Transport disruption is expected, with some roads and bridges likely to close.
What is Storm Agnes?
Storm Agnes is a deep area of low pressure developed in the Atlantic.
Today, the storm is set to arrive in the UK, battering the country with winds of up to 80mph in some areas.
It is expected the storm will weaken on Thursday.
Winds fast approaching hurricane threshold
Strong gales of up to 70mph have already been clocked as parts of the UK and Ireland approach the hurricane threshold.
The Met Office defines a hurricane as "sustained winds near the surface of at least 74mph circulating either anti-clockwise or clockwise".
Overpowering winds could endanger millions of Britons who fall within a "danger to life" yellow alert issued earlier this week.
The weather service also urged Brits to beware of flying debris and falling trees.
While the RNLI warned people to avoid the coast during stormy conditions
Advice for drivers during storm Agnes
Storm Agnes is bringing strong winds and heavy downpours to the majority of the UK this week creating treacherous conditions for motorists.
Richard Evans, head of technical services at said: "Stormy weather can cause chaos which can not only be dangerous to drive in for visibility but can also lead to accidental damage.
“When drivers need to get behind the wheel in this weather, they should take extra precaution to keep themselves and their vehicle safe.
"It’s important to stay aware of stopping distance in wet and windy conditions as it is around 10 times higher than standard conditions.
"Drivers can also prepare for emergencies by keeping items like a high vis, warm clothes, and a torch in the boot of the car. And ensuring tyre tread is within the safe range will keep drivers ready for the roads."
Tornado fears
Alan O'Reilly, from Carlow Weather, has warned that there is a risk of local tornadoes after Ireland was placed under a Level Two alert by Estofex.
He said: "A level two issued by Estofex for parts of Ireland today with a small risk of local tornadoes from Storm Agnes.
"These are very difficult to forecast and can be small and very short lived but worth sharing the information."
Will Storm Agnes hit London?
Storm Agnes is fast approaching England, but will the capital be hit with high winds and heavy rain?
Well, while winds may pick up, the Met Office’s yellow weather warning has not been issued for London.
Its forecast for today reads: “Any early low cloud clearing to give a mostly fine and warm day Wednesday, becoming increasingly windy through the afternoon and evening however as storm Agnes affects the northwest of the UK, with occasional showers arriving from the west later. Maximum temperature 22 °C.”
