The Met Office has issued a dire warning for severe weather to persist across 31 regions in England, Wales, and Northern Ireland until Sunday, with communities bracing themselves for the full force of strong winds and heavy downpours. The updated forecast paints a bleak picture of disruption, with forecasters predicting gusts of up to 70mph in exposed coastal areas.
Forecasters anticipate wind speeds reaching between 60-70 mph in coastal locations, particularly in parts of Northern Ireland and the west of England and Wales, while inland areas can expect strong winds of around 40-50 mph. The heavy rainfall is also a major concern, with saturated ground from recent wet weather exacerbating fears of localised flooding.
Regional breakdowns reveal that areas such as Cornwall, Devon, Cumbria, Lancashire in England, Pembrokeshire and Ceredigion in Wales, and all counties in Northern Ireland are under the warning. Residents in these areas can expect difficult driving conditions, potential delays to public transport – including trains and ferries – and a risk of power outages due to falling trees or damaged overhead lines.
The Met Office urges residents to secure loose outdoor items and be mindful of debris on roads, as temperatures range between 8-12 degrees Celsius across the affected regions. However, the wind chill factor will make it feel significantly colder, while heavy rain adds to uncomfortable conditions outdoors.