UK hit by 70mph Storm Kathleen winds as temperatures climb to 22°C
Storm Kathleen is set to bring the hottest day of the year in the UK today and gusts of 70mph, as flood warnings and risk-to-life alerts have been issued.
Temperatures may reach 22°C in East Anglia on Saturday with a yellow warning for wind covering north-west Scotland on Sunday between 9am and 3pm.
On Saturday 70 UK flights were cancelled, with road, rail, air and ferry services expected to be affected and the potential for power cuts and phone service outages.
Coastal areas on the Irish Sea may see large waves and winds of up to 70mph with gusts of 50-60mph likely across the north and south-west of England, parts of Northern Ireland, Scotland and Wales, between 8am and 10pm.
The Environment Agency issued 14 flood warnings, meaning flooding is “expected”, with a further 123 flood alerts in England on Friday, with National Resources Wales issuing four flood alerts.
It also issued 45 red cautions for strong streams on the River Thames, advising users of all boats not to navigate.
The Met Office updated its weather alert to forecast stronger gusts during Storm Kathleen than previously predicted, warning of injuries and danger to life from “large waves and beach material being thrown on to sea fronts, coastal roads and properties.”
The forecaster said winds would stay strong into Sunday, particularly in northern parts of Scotland.
The Met Office’s shipping forecast had 29 gale warnings in place on Saturday morning for sea areas including Viking, Plymouth, Biscay, Sole and Lundy.
Storm Kathleen will bring in “warmer temperatures from the continent” meaning the rest of the UK can expect “above average” temperatures between 15-16°C.
Met Office meteorologist Ellie Glaisyer said: “The storm is the reason we are seeing the warmer temperatures because the location of the storm – situated out towards the west of the UK – is bringing a southerly wind across the UK.”
Ms Glaisyer added those further west you are who will see the “strongest winds” in the yellow warning area, “will feel a little colder” despite the warmer temperatures.
RAC Breakdown spokesman Rod Dennis said this “ intense period of stormy weather” will prove “extremely challenging for anyone driving on the western side of the UK.”
Mr Dennis urged drivers to avoid exposed coasts and higher routes where “the impact of the very strong winds is most likely to be felt.”
“There will still be some showers around, but there should be some sunshine between those showers”, Ms Glaisyer said, adding: “It is generally remaining unsettled through much of next week.
“There is another area of low pressure moving towards the UK through Monday and into Tuesday. That is likely to bring some heavy rain for much of the UK, particularly in the West.”
Storm Kathleen, named by the Irish meteorological service Met Eireann, is the 11th named storm in eight months, the second time ever the UK has seen as many storms in one period.
