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...
'Damaging winds' to hit UK today
The Met Office has warned of "damaging winds" expected to hit the UK today.
Met Office meteorologist Tom Morgan said: "We are likely to potentially see some damaging winds, the possibility of some brief power interruptions, particularly in Irish sea coastal areas."
He added: "In addition to the winds, there's going to be some large waves as well, so some big stormy seas, and therefore there might well be some coastal flooding where the waves break on to promenades and on to coastal roads."
More on today's yellow weather warning
A string of Met Office alerts will activate in the coming hours, with a yellow wind weather warning from midday on Wednesday to 7am on Thursday stretching across a large area of the UK.
There are also two yellow rain warnings covering areas of Scotland from 3pm on Wednesday to midnight.
Storm Agnes was described as "intensifying quickly" in the Atlantic during Tuesday evening.
It is expected to generate winds of up to 80mph and cause dangerous conditions along coastlines, especially Irish Sea coastlines.
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 time will Storm Agnes hit the UK?
Britain is set to be battered by Storm Agnes today, but what time will the weather worsen?
Northern Ireland is already experiencing rain and high winds this morning.
Meanwhile, the Northeast of England will see the weather change in the coming hour.
What has the Met Office said?
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 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.
"As well as some very strong winds for many, Storm Agnes will also bring some heavy rain, with the highest totals more likely in Scotland, northern England, Wales and Northern Ireland.
"Around 60mm of rain is possible in a few places over high ground in Scotland."
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.
Storm Agnes set to batter the UK
Storm Agnes is set to arrive in UK, as the Met Office issues a yellow weather warning across much of the country.
Met Office Chief Meteorologist Matthew Lehnert said: “Storm Agnes will approach southwest Ireland early on Wednesday and track northeast across Northern Ireland and Scotland before clearing on Thursday morning. Gusts of 45-55 mph are expected widely inland and 50-60 mph over hills and around coasts.
“The strongest winds are expected to affect Northern Ireland, southwest Scotland, west and northwest Wales, Cumbria and Lancashire where some places inland may see gusts of 60 mph and 65-75 mph over hills and around coasts. These are most likely during the second half of Wednesday afternoon and through the evening."
