Met Office issues ‘danger to life’ warning as Storm Ciarán to slam UK with 85mph winds
The Met Office has warned there is a risk of “danger to life” from Storm Ciarán as a a red weather warning has been issued for the Channel Islands as the UK braces for heavy rain and 85mph winds.
Jersey Met has issued a red warning for wind and high tides for Wednesday into Thursday, with large waves expected to breach the sea walls and cause flooding.
Ferries operating between the Channel Islands and the UK have been cancelled due to the severe weather.
Condor Ferries said it has cancelled Wednesday and Thursday’s passenger and freight services “due to a deterioration in the weather forecast as a result of the approaching Storm Ciarán”. All high speed services on Friday have also been cancelled.
Brittany Ferries has also warned of weather-related delays and cancellations over the coming days.
The Government of Jersey said: “We urge all Islanders to stay at home and make essential travel only on Wednesday night and Thursday.”
Amber warnings are in place for the entire south coast of England and parts of Pembrokeshire on Thursday when Storm Ciarán is due to hit.
Thursday’s amber warnings have been issued for 3am to 1pm across the Isles of Scilly and south-western parts of England and Wales and 6am to 8pm over parts of the far south and south-east of England.
The Met Office said flying debris could result in a danger to life and large waves and beach material could be thrown onto sea fronts, coastal roads and properties. The strong winds could also disrupt travel and mobile phone coverage, lead to power cuts and cause structural damage.
Forecasters said winds of 75 to 85mph with 65 to 75mph gusts inland are to be expected.
Yellow weather warnings for rain are also in place across the UK between Wednesday and Friday.
Heavy rain is expected to bring some disruption to parts of south-west, central and eastern Scotland, which is covered by a yellow weather warning for rain until 3pm today.
A yellow warning for wind across southern England and parts of south Wales has been issued from 9pm on Wednesday and throughout Thursday.
There is a slight chance that the roofs of some homes and buildings will be blown off and power lines and trees brought down.
Met Office deputy chief meteorologist Dan Suri said a cold front would bring bursts of heavy rain and coastal gusts of 60 to 70mph along the south coast on Wednesday.
Mr Suri said: “Wind and rain warnings associated with Storm Ciarán are in force from Wednesday night onwards into Friday.
“As well as strong winds, this deep low pressure system will bring heavy rain to many parts of the UK.
“Much of southern England and south Wales, as well as parts of north Wales, north-east England, south-east Scotland and perhaps the east of Northern Ireland look to see the wettest conditions between Wednesday evening and Friday morning.”
He added that 20 to 25mm of rain may fall in many places with 40 to 60mm possible over higher ground.
“Some parts of south Wales and south-west England may see 80mm of rain,” Mr Suri said. “This rain will fall on already saturated ground, bringing the risk of flooding.”
Kate Marks, flood duty manager at the Environment Agency, said “significant flooding” is possible.
She said: “We advise people to stay away from swollen rivers and urge people not to drive through flood water as just 30cm of flowing water is enough to move your car.”
The Environment Agency had issued 24 flood warnings for England and 113 flood alerts by 10am on Wednesday.
Ahead of Storm Ciarán’s arrival, extreme weather has already caused flooding in Northern Ireland where heavy rain caused the canal in the Co Down city of Newry to burst its banks.
Some 12,000 sandbags have been deployed to the areas worst affected.
A spokesperson for Northern Ireland’s Department for Infrastructure said river and lough levels continue to be monitored as levels rise and will continue be monitored over the coming days.
“People are urged to stay away from flood defences, flooded areas and watercourses,” they added.
The weather over the weekend continues to look unsettled for many with more showers and rain at times once the storm passes, the Met Office said.
