Storm Ashley brings rail, road and air chaos as UK on high alert over flood warnings

First named storm of the season ‘likely’ to bring a threat of injuries and danger to life, Met Office says

Storm Ashley has caused travel disruption and flooding across the UK as high winds and rain have battered parts of the country.

Dozens of flights were cancelled at Belfast City airport and Dublin airport, while several flights to Edinburgh, Glasgow and Aberdeen were also called off as wind speeds exceeded 80mph in some areas.

Police Scotland have advised motorists to “plan ahead and avoid unnecessary travel where possible” due to the “strong likelihood” of disruption on roads, while Transport Scotland has warned of likely delays to public transport.

Ferry operator CalMac – which serves the west coast of Scotland – cancelled the majority of sailings for Sunday, with the islands of Arran, Bute, Lewis and Harris being cut off as a result of adverse conditions at sea caused by the high winds.

Floodwaters also left parts of Worcester submerged after the River Severn burst its banks.

The first named storm of the season was likely to bring a threat of injuries and danger to life, the Met Office said.

Waves crash against the sea defences in Saltcoats, Scotland (Getty)

A yellow warning for wind came into place for the entirety of Scotland and Northern Ireland and parts of the North West of England and Wales from 3am until midnight on Sunday.

An amber warning for northwest Scotland had been issued from 9am until midnight, with the weather service warning “injuries and danger to life is likely from large waves and beach material being thrown on to coastal roads, sea fronts and properties”.

The Scottish Environmental Protection Agency (Sepa) had issued 47 flood warnings, along with 10 flood alerts, covering large swathes of the country.

The north of Scotland will remain under a yellow Met Office warning for wind from midnight Sunday until 9am on Monday.

Waves at the Blackrock diving tower in Salthill, Galway (PA)

Further south, the Met Office issued a yellow warning for the South West of England and South Wales until midday on Sunday with a threat of disruption to travel with flooding and possible interruptions to power supplies.

The Environment Agency issued 45 active flood warnings, which points to expected flooding, and 96 flood alerts, meaning flooding is possible. The warnings include multiple areas of the south Cornwall coast and the Wye Estuary.

Natural Resources Wales said there were eight flood warnings and 12 flood alerts in place.

Met Office meteorologist Dan Stroud said “very strong, severe gales” on Sunday were coinciding with high spring tides, which he had warned could also result in “very large waves”.

Mr Stroud said strong, gale force winds were due to continue through to Monday morning, meaning “fallen debris and trees” could affect commuters at the start of the week.

Storm Ashley weather warnings were in force across the country (PA)

The forecaster added that Sunday would be a “widely windy day” with storm-force winds in the North West.

Rain would spread eastwards before sunny spells, but with gusty winds moving east during the afternoon.

Meteorologist Ellie Glaisyer said: “Parts of western Scotland could see gusts of 70-80mph during the afternoon. It will turn drier and brighter across much of England and Wales with some sunny spells during the afternoon.”

Winds are expected to ease on Monday with rain moving into the South East. The North is expected to remain blustery for much of the week.