In a dire warning the Met Office said ‘injuries and danger to life are likely’ as the nation is lashed by the huge storm.
Flooding expected in over 60 areas
There are a staggering 41 active flood warnings on The Environment Agency’s website meaning flooding is expected, and 132 flood alerts, meaning flooding is possible.
The warnings include multiple areas of the River Severn, the south Cornwall coast and the Wye Estuary.
In Scotland, the Scottish Environment Protection Agency has issued 16 flood warnings and a further 17 alerts.
In Wales 13 alerts have been issued, eight of them on the country’s south coast and three on the west.
List of areas the new yellow warning for rain covers
Within the last two hours the Met Office has issued a new weather warning alert for heavy rain in south Wales, Cornwall, Devon, and parts of Dorset and Somerset between 3am and midday on Sunday.
Regions impacted include:
South West England
Bristol – Cornwall – Devon – Dorset – Gloucestershire – North Somerset – Plymouth – Somerset – South Gloucestershire – Torbay
Wales
Blaenau – Gwent – Bridgend – Caerphilly – Cardiff Carmarthenshire – Merthyr Tydfil – Monmouthshire – Neath Port Talbot – Newport – Pembrokeshire – Powys – Rhondda Cynon Taf – Swansea – Torfaen – Vale of Glamorgan
New weather alert for heavy rain issued in southwest England and south Wales
A further yellow alert for heavy rain has been issued in south Wales, Cornwall, Devon, and parts of Dorset and Somerset between 3am and midday on Sunday.
Between 15 and 25mm of rain is expected to fall in most affected areas. However upslopes exposed to the strong southerly winds could see 35 to 45mm, while potentially as much as 65mm could fall on Dartmoor, the Met Office said.
Storm Ashley approaches Ireland
The Irish Meteorological Service, MetEireann, has shared new satellite images showing the storm approaching Ireland from the West.
Impact of Storm Ashley will still be felt outside warning zones, Met Office says
Temperatures are expected to climb to highs of 17C in southern England on Sunday despite the wind and rain elsewhere.
Met Office meteorologist Dan Stroud said: “The strongest winds are likely to come through during the course of tomorrow afternoon.
“It is going to be quite a bright afternoon but it’s going to be very windy and gusty out there, especially in the north of the country so don’t be sort of lulled into a false sense of security.”
He added that the “very strong, severe gales” on Sunday coincide with high spring tides, which could also result in “very large waves”.
Mr Stroud said outside of the warning zones, the rest of the UK, including inland areas, will still feel the impact of Storm Ashley with “very blustery” conditions and rain moving across the south and east of England.
Warnings to travellers ahead of Storm Ashley
Police Scotland has warned motorists to “plan ahead and avoid unnecessary travel where possible” ahead of the “strong likelihood” of disruption on roads.
Transport Scotland has warned of likely delays to public transport, including the country’s ferry network.
Chief Supt Hilary Sloan, Police Scotland’s head of road policing, said: “Make sure your vehicle has sufficient fuel and is completely roadworthy, with tyre pressure and tread meeting legal requirements.
“Ensure your mobile phone is fully charged in the event you need to call for assistance and if it is likely you may be within your vehicle for long periods of time, take additional clothing and water with you.”
Storm Ashley makes landfall in the Republic of Ireland
According to reports, Storm Ashley has made landfall in the Republic of Ireland.
Storm Ashley appears to have made landfall in Ireland (Image: Surfline)
‘Acute dangers’ with 80mph gusts and high spring tides
British Weather Services’ senior meteorologist Jim Dale has told Express.co.uk that wind gusts of around 80mph and high spring tides mean Storm Ashley will bring “some acute dangers”.
Blustery conditions to continue on Monday, with gusts up to 80mph on Sunday, Met Office says
In its latest forecast, the Met Office has said blustery conditions will persist on Monday. Rain will spread eastwards on Saturday night while gusts of 70 to 80mph are expected by Sunday afternoon, according to the forecaster.
Met Office Storm Ashley verdict
The Met Office has detailed exactly when and where Storm Ashley is set to hit.
Map shows where 80mph winds are expected to strike
The United States’ Joint Cyclone Center has forecast maximum wind speeds of 105mph in its latest update.
It published its assessment at 4pm today, suggesting that speed will be reached on Sunday off the Republic of Ireland, with speeds of 90-190mph later in the day.
Sunday into Monday Storm Ashley winds are expected to be 70-89mph around Northern Scotland, dropping to 33-69mph in the North Sea by Monday.
Brits warned to batten down trampolines and garden furniture
Brits are being warned to secure trampolines, garden furniture and greenhouses.
Network Rail issued the warning on social media in a bid to prevent blockages on lines caused by Storm Ashley.
Which areas are included in the Met Office’s yellow wind warning?
These are the regions and local authorities affected by the Met Office‘s yellow wind warning:
Central, Tayside & Fife, Angus, Clackmannanshire, Dundee, Falkirk, Fife, Perth and Kinross, Stirling, Grampian, Aberdeen, Aberdeenshire, Moray.
Also included are: Highlands & Eilean Siar, Na h-Eileanan Siar, Highland.
In North West England the following regions and local authorities are included: Cumbria.
And in Northern Ireland: County Antrim, County Armagh, County Down, County Fermanagh, County Londonderry and County Tyrone.
Also part of the warning are the Orkney Islands and the Shetland Islands.
In other parts of Scotland the yellow warning applies to Dumfries and Galloway, East Lothian, Edinburgh, Midlothian Council, Scottish Borders, West Lothian, Strathclyde, Argyll and Bute, East Ayrshire, East Dunbartonshire, East Renfrewshire.
Affected too are: Glasgow, Inverclyde, North Ayrshire, North Lanarkshire, Renfrewshire, South Ayrshire, South Lanarkshire and West Dunbartonshire.
And in Wales: Ceredigion, Conwy, Gwynedd, the Isle of Anglesey and Pembrokeshire.
Which areas fall under the Met Office’s amber warning?
These are the regions and local authorities currently listed under the Met Office‘s amber warning:
Highlands & Eilean Siar
Na h-Eileanan Siar
Highland
Strathclyde
Argyll and Bute
‘Lull’ expected before storm, Met Office warns
In its latest post on social media, the Met Office forecasts a “lull” before Storm Ashley hits parts of Britain.
The forecaster posted a satellite image of the UK showing clear skies for many with grey cloud in eastern areas.
It commented: “The lull before the storm with bright and sunny conditions for many this afternoon.
“However, cloudier skies with further outbreaks of rain are slowly clearing away from eastern areas.”
Storm Ashley
Marco Petagna, Senior Operational Meteorologist at the UK Met Office wrote on X: “Storm Ashley undergoing explosive cyclogenesis on its approach to the UK from the SW
“Hints of a hammer head formation.. indicative of its increasingly powerful nature.”
Cyclogenesis is a term used to describe a strengthening cyclonic circulation of air in the atmosphere, especially in storms.
Great South Run cancelled on Sunday because of Storm Ashley
The Great South Run in Portsmouth has been cancelled.
Posting on their Facebook page about the 10-mile event, organisers said: “We’re really sorry to confirm that this year’s Great South Run (10 miles), scheduled to take place on Sunday 20 October, has been cancelled due to the forecasted high winds and rain.
Orange weather warning issued in the Republic of Ireland
An orange wind warning has been extended to cover four Irish counties ahead the arrival of Storm Ashley.
Clare and Donegal have been added to the orange alert that initially covered Mayo and Galway.
The warning will be in place from 12pm to 9pm on Sunday.
Met Eireann said the first named storm of the season will bring very strong and gusty south to south-west winds, coupled with high spring tides.
The counties covered could see gusts of up to 80mph.
Northern Irish public urged to stay safe as strong winds forecast
BelfastLive reports multi-agency partners including Stormont’s Department for Infrastructure and other emergency response and public sector organisations have met to prepare for the first named storm of the season.
The Department for Infrastructure (DfI) said the forecasted weather conditions are expected to affect all of Northern Ireland.
These strong winds in conjunction with high spring tides and large waves can generate a tidal surge which may cause some disruption.
A DfI spokesperson added: “Staff from all agencies are monitoring the situation and making preparations to respond to any impacts. The weather conditions could lead to debris on the roads, fallen trees and spray or large waves on exposed and vulnerable coastal areas.
“Due to the potential for large waves, flooding of coastal roads is also possible – please remember not to drive through flood water.
“Traffic disruption is possible so please plan ahead, stay up to date with the latest weather and travel advice and take extra care if travelling. Advice and information on the current weather warnings is available at: Strong winds weather warning – information and advice.
“It may be necessary to close some roads or put temporary restrictions in place. Road users are reminded to adhere to road signs and any temporary traffic lights. Remember to reduce your speed, stay well behind the vehicle in front, remain focused and always wear your seatbelt.”
Wind and waves in Northern Ireland (Image: Getty )
Map shows weather warnings in place Sunday and Monday
A map showing the Met Office weather warnings in place for Northern Ireland, Scotland and north west England and Wales.
Map showing amber and yellow weather warnings (Image: PA Graphic, Source: Met Office )
Flooding alerts in Scotland
The Scottish Environment Protection Agency (SEPA) said there were 14 regional flood alerts and 18 local flood warnings in place so far.
It added: “Storm Ashley will bring high winds and heavy rain across Scotland over this weekend, with coastal flooding expected due to a combination of high tides and large waves.”
Scottish energy firm issues advice and warning to customers over power cuts
Scottish and Southern Electricity Networks (SSEN) said in a statement: “SSEN’s weather model shows high winds forecast for much of the north of Scotland network area from the early hours of Sunday.
“The west coast of mainland Scotland from Kintyre to Skye, Skye and the Western Isles can expect winds of 55-60mph from around 6am.
“Later in the afternoon, gusts of 70mph across Sutherland, the Western Isles and Skye are possible. Gusts of 50-55mph are forecast across much of the north of Scotland. Winds with gusts of 60-65mph will also affect Orkney and Shetland later on Sunday and into Monday.”
The distribution firm urged customers to report any damage to power lines by calling the number 105, or by accessing their website.
It said: “If you see any damage to our equipment, please stay back, don’t touch it and instead report it to us directly by calling 105, or via our Power Track website, and our engineers will investigate as soon as possible.”
Network Rail Scotland hold ‘extreme weather’ meeting as 80mph winds expected
Network Rail Scotland said in a statement last night: “We’ve just held an extreme weather meeting with our teams and train operators, where our specialist weather forecaster gave us an update on Storm Ashley, the first named storm of the season. We expect heavy rain and strong winds (60-80mph) on Sunday and into Monday.”
The rail operator added: “Our staff will be carrying out proactive checks over the weekend of known flood sites, and our fixed pumps. Track, signalling, power and overhead line engineers will be on standby across the country, ready to respond to any disruption.”
Flood alerts in force across England
The Environment Agency currently has 52 flood warnings in place, meaning “flooding is expected” as well as a further 145 flood alerts meaning “flooding is possible”.
The majority of the warnings and alerts are for the western half of the UK with the bulk of the warnings between Birmingham and Bristol.
New weather maps show sheer scale of monstrous storm
New weather maps from WXCharts show the enormous size of Storm Ashley, the first named weather event of he season, as it barrels towards Britain.
The storm, which has triggered a host of weather and flood alerts, is due to hit the UK today and tomorrow, with after effects felt into Monday.
High winds of up to 80mph have been classed as a ‘danger to life’ by the Met Office.
Sunday October 20 at 6pm (Image: WXCharts )
Sunday October 20 at 3am (Image: WXCharts )
A horrific map shows Storm Ashley unleashing hell on parts of the UK within hours.
The map, published by the United States’ Joint Cyclone Center shows the storm reaching the level of a cyclone with a maximum speed of 105mph before wind speeds drop as Storm Ashley reaches the UK.
Weather warnings for wind have been issued by the Met Office after gusts of 80mph were forecast in the worst affected areas on Sunday.
An amber warning is in place for the north-west of Scotland from 9am until midnight, and a yellow warning for the entirety of Scotland and Northern Ireland. That warning also applies to parts of north-west England and Wales between 3am and midnight.
The weather service warned “injuries and danger to life is likely from large waves and beach material being thrown on to coastal roads, sea fronts and properties” in affected areas. The Met Office said damage to buildings, power cuts and disruption to public and road transport are also likely.
Met Office meteorologist Aidan McGiver said: “Those kinds of wind gusts could cause considerable disruption, damage to buildings, transport disruptions of the ferry crossings, for example.
“And also the risk to coastal communities of flooding because these winds coincide with high tides, so that risk is especially great.”
A yellow warning for wind has also been issued for Monday between midnight and 9am for northern Scotland, including Orkney and Shetland.
Storm Ashley is set to unleash a weather bomb over the UK in hours (Image: WXCharts)
