STORM Darragh is set to hit in just hours with weather warnings covering nearly all of the UK.
The fourth named storm of the season is expected to bring winds of up to 80mph and heavy rain on Friday afternoon and into the weekend, while 130 flood alerts have been issued.
LNPA car is driven through flood water in Levenshulme, Manchester[/caption]
Met OfficeStorm Darragh is set to hit the UK in just hours[/caption]
MET OfficeUp to 60mm of rain could fall in these areas during the warning period[/caption]
The Met Office has put out an amber warning for “potentially damaging” winds along the west coast of the UK from South Ayrshire in Scotland down to Cornwall, as well as in Northern Ireland, on Saturday from 3am until 9pm.
Snow could also hit hilly areas of northern England on Saturday.
A yellow warning for rain will be in place for Northern Ireland and Wales, which were badly affected by flooding during Storm Bert, from 3pm on Friday until 12pm on Saturday.
Up to 60mm of rain could fall in these areas during the warning period, which may lead to some flooding and disruption, forecasters said.
Rhondda Cynon Taf, where between 200 and 300 properties were flooded during Storm Bert last month, is set to be hit by heavy rain once again.
Natural Resources Wales (NRW) has issued more than 30 flood alerts and warnings.
The Environment Agency (EA) in England has more than 20 red flood warnings in place, which mean flooding is expected and residents and business owners should “act now”.
Met Office meteorologist Dan Stroud said the weather service is “a bit concerned” about the risk of flooding in parts of Wales and Northern Ireland where there is “heightened sensitivity” due to recent heavy rainfall.
Mr Stroud added: “The wind particularly is set to be reasonably disruptive and potentially quite damaging.
“We are rather concerned about the strength of the winds affecting the Irish sea coasts and this is likely to have impacts on Irish ferry services.
“Trees could come down onto roads and people need to be aware of this and allow extra time for travel, especially in rural spots.”
Strong gusts are forecast to batter the country and the Met Office said the wind may cause disruption to travel with difficult driving conditions likely.
A yellow weather warning for wind for all of the UK, except for central and northern Scotland, is also in place from 3pm on Friday until 6am on Sunday.
The Met Office warned that flying debris could cause injury or danger to life.
UK 5 day weather forecast
Today:
A fine but chilly start, with scattered showers affecting parts of north and west Scotland during the morning.
Cloud building from the west with rain, heavy at times reaching western areas during the afternoon. Winds will strengthen, with gales developing.
Tonight:
Outbreaks of rain, heavy at times will move east overnight, as winds continue to strengthen with gales and later severe gales develop as Storm Darragh arrives. Mild
Saturday:
Wet and very windy on Saturday, with severe gales possible in places, particularly in the west with Storm Darragh.
Rain falling as snow across parts of northern Scotland.
Outlook for Sunday to Tuesday:
Turning colder on Sunday and Monday with showers and blustery winds gradually easing.
Drier and brighter later Monday and into Tuesday as high pressure build with some mist and fog.
National Highways, which runs the UK’s motorways and busiest A-roads, has issued a severe weather alert for Saturday.
It has warned motorists in the South West and North West to prepare for gale force winds.
It said routes likely to be affected by the strongest winds include the M5 in northern Somerset, the A30 in Cornwall and the M6 in Cheshire.
Severe winds are already affecting travel in parts of the country with the M48 Severn Bridge in Gloucestershire was being closed on Thursday night because of gusty weather.
Storm Darragh is due to cross Ireland late on Friday, then parts of England and Wales on Saturday, clearing to the east of England on Saturday night or early Sunday.
The EA said it is carefully monitoring the progress of the storm ahead of the weekend.
Katharine Smith, flood duty manager at the EA, said: “EA teams are out on the ground and will support local authorities in responding to surface water flooding.
“We urge people not to drive though flood water – it is often deeper than it looks and just 30cm of flowing water is enough to float your car.”
MET OfficeThe Met Office has put out an amber warning along the west coast of the UK[/caption]
MET OfficeA yellow weather warning for wind is also in place from 3pm on Friday until 6am on Sunday[/caption]
LNPA woman struggles to hold her umbrella in Manchester as parts of the UK are hit by heavy rain and strong winds[/caption]