Storm Ashley latest: Rail and flight delays continue due to 80mph winds as UK put on high alert for flooding
Met Office weather warning also remains in force on Monday morning after Scotland pummelled with 111mph gusts
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.Storm Ashley has battered parts of the country with hurricane-force winds and torrential rain as more flights and trains are cancelled.
As the storm passed over the Scottish Highlands on Sunday night, average wind speeds hit 85mph with gusts of at least 111mph provisionally recorded at the summit of Cairn Gorm.
Speed restrictions are in place on rail lines across Scotland due to the high winds, while flights continued to be impacted at Aberdeen Airport this morning. At least four have been cancelled, including one bound for London Heathrow Airport.
In England, National Rail said Northern services between Bolton and Blackburn were being blocked by a tree on the line this morning.
The Environment Agency had 45 flood warnings, where flooding is expected, in place across England on Monday, including along the south Cornwall coast and large parts of the River Severn, after the river burst its banks, submerging the town of Worcester, the previous day.
A further 96 places were kept on high alert overnight with possible flooding – while, in Scotland, the Scottish Environment Flood Agency had 47 flood warnings in place, with eight issued by Natural Resources Wales.
Full report: Storm Ashley brings rail, road and air chaos as UK on high alert over flood warnings
Storm Ashley brings rail, road and air chaos as UK on high alert over flood warnings
First named storm of the season is ‘likely’ to bring a threat of injuries and danger to life, Met Office says
Wind speeds hit 81mph, Met Office says
The Met Office has published a list of the highest wind speeds recorded so far today, including gusts of 81mph in Killowen, Northern Ireland, and 75mph at the Welsh village of Capel Cruig.
Mapped: Where and when are ‘danger to life’ weather warnings in force across UK?
Storm Ashley mapped: Where are weather warnings in force across the UK?
Met Office is warning of possible damage to homes, power cuts and disruption to travel by air, road, rail and ferry
Pictured: Galway prepares for Storm Ashley
Watch: Planes landing at Heathrow Airport face wrath of Storm Ashley’s 80mph winds
Watch: Planes landing at Heathrow Airport face wrath of Storm Ashley’s 80mph winds
Planes at Heathrow Airport have been seen getting blown around by the 80mph winds of Storm Ashley this morning (20 October). A number of flights from the like of BA and Virgin Atlantic were seen by Big Jet TV making their approach, sometimes sideways, before struggling to touch down in the bluster. Storm Ashley is “likely” to bring a threat of injuries and danger to life, the Met Office has said, with weather warnings issued across the UK. The storm is the first named storm of the year.
Dozens of flight cancelled in Belfast and Dublin
Dozens of flights have been cancelled at Belfast City Airport and Dublin Airport due to Storm Ashley.
In a stamtent on X, Dublin Airport said: “Weather conditions have led to some airlines cancelling a small number of flights this morning. As always, passengers seeking updates regarding a specific flight should contact their airline directly.”
Northern Ireland’s Department for Infrastructure said temporary tidal flood defences were being deployed along the River Lagan at high-risk areas such as Lockview Road and Cutters Warf in south Belfast.
SEPA issues updated statement after 36 flood alerts in Scotland
Catherine Evans, SEPA’s Flood Duty Manager, said: “Scotland will experience the impacts from Storm Ashley this evening and into tomorrow morning. Coastal flooding will impact communities along the west coast and the islands, due to already high water levels combined with strong winds and large waves.
“While the risk is most significant around high tide times, our message continues to be: take extra care if you are near the coast at any point and stay clear of waves and water. Be careful when travelling around exposed coastal areas. Don’t walk or drive through flood water as there may be hidden hazards.
“Flood Alerts and Warnings are in place. We will continue to work with the Met Office to monitor the situation 24/7 and review regional Flood Alerts and local Flood Warnings as required, so please do stay up to date through our website at beta.sepa.scot/flooding.
“We advise people to sign up to Floodline to receive free updates for where they live, or travel through, directly to their phone. People can also check our flood updates for all the latest information and view the three-day Scottish Flood Forecast to see what conditions are expected further ahead.”
Glasgow bridge closed amid Storm Ashley chaos
The Govan-Partick footbridge in Glasgow will remain shut today due to strong forecasted winds.
The Riverside Museum warned visitors of the closure in a post on Facebook.
The statement reads: “If you are coming by Subway today, alight at Partick station. The Govan-Partick Bridge is closed all day due to high winds.”
The Enchanted Forest in Pitlochry, Perthshire – an autumnal attraction aimed at families where the forest is turned into a light show – announced it would be cancelled on Sunday, stressing the safety of attendees and staff was “of the utmost importance”.
A statement from organisers read: “Our operations team met on site this morning to assess the site conditions in light of Storm Ashley and various weather warnings and, in the interest of public safety, they have affirmed that it is not safe for the show to go ahead this evening.”
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments