Storm Catherine hits the UK today, expected to bring strong winds and rainfall, as well as the highest temperatures so far this year.
The storm, moving in from the Atlantic, will bring wind gusts of up to 70 mph to Northern Ireland and western England, with temperatures potentially reaching 22 degrees Celsius (72 degrees Fahrenheit) in the east.
Large waves may also hit parts of the coastline, with heavy rainfall expected overnight into Saturday morning.
A yellow warning for high winds will be in force from 8am to 10pm, covering Cornwall, most of Wales, parts of Lancashire and Cumbria, as well as central Scotland and Northern Ireland.
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Image: Met Office
As of Friday evening, the Environment Agency had issued 15 flood warnings (flooding was “expected”) and 124 flood warnings in England.
Forty-three strong current red warnings are also in place on the Thames, with boat users advised not to use London waterways.
National Resources Wales has issued four flood warnings in the north and west. Brecon Beacons National Park.
The Met Office shipping forecast shows that 20 gale warnings will be issued in the waters of Viking, Plymouth, Biscay, Sol and Lundy.
Picture: Environment Bureau
Image: National Resources Wales
Storm Catherine is expected to bring widespread winds of 50 to 60 mph, with gusts of up to 70 mph in some coastal areas of the Irish Sea, the Met Office said in a weather warning.
It warned there was a risk of “injury and risk to life” from large waves and beach material being thrown onto the seafront, coastal roads and properties.
Road, rail, air and ferry services may be affected, with journey times taking longer or even being cancelled.
Power outages may also occur and cellphone coverage may be affected.
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the hottest day of the year
Met Office meteorologist Ellie Glaisyer said that while winds were strong across the UK, temperatures in East Anglia could reach 22C (72F), which would make the The hottest day of the year so far.
She explained that Storm Catherine “is the reason we are seeing the increase in temperatures because the location of the storm is in the west of the UK and is bringing southerly winds to the UK”.
“Further west, the strongest winds are in the yellow warning areas and although temperatures are above average, it will feel a bit chilly,” Ms Gledhill added.
Waves crash into Dover, Kent, during Storm Sealand in November 2023. File image: PA
The highest temperature so far this year was 19.9 degrees Celsius (68 degrees Fahrenheit), recorded in late January at Alkhefari in northwest Scotland.
London will hit 20 degrees Celsius (68 degrees Fahrenheit) at noon, hotter than Nice, FranceTemperatures are expected to be 18 degrees Celsius, while the Portuguese capital, Lisbon, is expected to see temperatures of 17 degrees Celsius, according to the Met Office.
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Storm Catherine was named by Ireland’s national forecaster Met Eireann, who has issued warnings across the country and urged the public to remain “vigilant”.
Cork, Kerry, Galway and Mayo are under an Amber Alert, which means “travel conditions are very difficult” and there is a risk of downed trees, power outages and coastal flooding.
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