A fierce storm is bearing down on Bradford and much of the UK today, prompting early school closures as the Met Office issues severe weather warnings for strong winds and heavy rain. The decision to shut schools before the worst of the weather hits has been made in response to safety concerns for pupils and staff.
The Met Office has issued a series of yellow weather warnings, indicating potential disruption and caution needed. England's northern areas, the Midlands, and parts of the South West face a wind warning, with gusts potentially reaching 60-70 mph in exposed coastal areas and high ground, while inland winds are expected to be around 40-50 mph.
A yellow warning for rain is also active across parts of the North West, including Cumbria and Lancashire, where accumulations of 20-40mm are possible, with isolated totals of up to 60mm over higher ground. Scotland's central belt and southern regions face a similar wind warning, with gusts of 50-60 mph forecast and potentially reaching 75mph in exposed coastal areas in the west.
In Wales, a yellow warning for wind covers the entire country, with similar speeds to northern England expected, while Northern Ireland is outside the most severe warnings but advised to remain vigilant. The public is urged to check local authority websites and transport providers before travelling due to potential disruption to road, rail, air, and ferry travel.
Local authorities in affected areas are advising residents to secure loose garden items and be aware of potential debris. Temperatures during this period are expected to range from 7-12 degrees Celsius, feeling colder in the strong winds.
The current weather system is a result of a deep area of low pressure moving across the North Atlantic, bringing unsettled conditions to the UK. The Met Office will continue to monitor the situation and update warnings as necessary.