The Met Office has named the approaching storm “Isha” and issued severe weather warnings for the entire United Kingdom. Storm Isha is expected to bring powerful wind gusts of up to 80mph and heavy rainfall, leading to widespread travel disruptions and potential hazards.
A 24-hour yellow wind warning has been issued for the entire UK, starting from 12 pm on Sunday and lasting until 12 pm on Monday. Additionally, two amber warnings have been issued: one for parts of Sussex and Kent, effective from midnight on Monday until 12 pm, and another for western England, Wales, the North, Scotland, and Northern Ireland, from 6 pm on Sunday until 9 am on Monday.
The Met Office warns that there is a likelihood of “injuries and danger to life,” with potential consequences such as power cuts, damage to buildings, and road closures. South Western Railway has already cautioned of disruptions on services from Sunday into Monday due to reduced speeds caused by high winds.
The Environment Agency has imposed 12 flood warnings and 59 flood alerts, indicating the possibility of flooding in various areas. An amber cold health alert issued by the UK Health Security Agency remains in place until noon tomorrow, warning of potential impacts on health and social care.
Meteorologists predict that very strong southwesterly winds will affect Northern Ireland, western parts of England, Wales, and southern Scotland from Sunday night. Gusts are expected to reach 50 to 60mph, with coastal areas potentially experiencing gusts of up to 80mph. Winds will shift to a westerly direction early on Monday, gradually easing throughout the morning.
In the South East, the strongest winds are forecasted for parts of Sussex and Kent, including Brighton and Canterbury, on Monday morning, where gusts of up to 80mph may occur along the coast.
The Met Office has advised the public to prepare for possible mobile phone coverage outages, longer journey times on roads, and potential cancellations of rail, air, and ferry services. Storm Isha is the ninth named storm of the season and is set to follow a week of extreme cold temperatures in the UK. However, it is expected to bring milder conditions to the country next week after the cold spell.
Met Office Chief Meteorologist Dan Suri emphasized that Storm Isha would result in strong winds across the UK and heavy rain, potentially leading to additional hazards, particularly in western regions. The public is urged to stay updated with Met Office warnings and heed guidance from local authorities.
The possibility of power cuts has been raised, with homeowners advised to make necessary preparations. The Energy Networks Association recommends using PowerCut105.com for advice and calling 105 in case of a power cut. They also encourage checking in with those who might need extra assistance during severe weather events.
As the UK braces for the arrival of Storm Isha, the public is advised to stay informed about potential disruptions and take necessary precautions to ensure their safety.
