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
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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.
ICYMI: Great South Run cancelled
Sunday’s Great South Run has been cancelled because of high winds and rain expected from the storm.
Great Run, which organises the annual 10-mile race in Portsmouth, Hampshire, said weather conditions had not improved to a point where they could “safely stage” the event.
Organisers said the forecasted winds could compromise “event infrastructure, including our medical facilities” and that high tide levels, exposure along the seafront sections of the route and “potential debris” posed safety concerns.
What is a ‘weather bomb’?
Meteorologists have said Storm Ashley will see a rapid drop of pressure as it moves in from the Atlantic on Saturday night – a phenomenon called a “weather bomb”.
A ‘weather bomb’ is an unofficial term for a low pressure system whose central pressure falls 24 millibars in 24 hours in a process known as explosive cyclogenesis, according to the Met Office.
Rapid acceleration of air caused by the jet stream high up in the atmosphere can remove air from the column, reducing its weight so causing pressure to fall at sea level.
This in turn sucks in air which converges from surrounding regions resulting in faster and faster rotation of the circulation.
That will result in high winds, which coincide with high spring tides - bringing a risk of large waves and coastal overtopping.
How is a storm named?
Storm Ashley was named on 18 October as the first storm of the season.
A storm will be named when it has the potential to cause disruption or damage which could result in an amber or red warning.
When the criteria for naming a storm are met, either the Met Office, Met Éireann or KNMI can name a storm, taking the name from the latest list in alphabetical order.
The next five storms will be:
- Bert
- Conall
- Darragh
- Éowyn
- Floris
ScotRail issue travel advice
Rail operator ScotRail also issued advice ahead of expected disruption on Sunday, urging those travelling to check their services are still running.
Scott Prentice, the strategy and planning director at the operator said: “In order to keep our customers and staff safe, speed restrictions will be in place as a precautionary measure on some routes in Scotland, which will mean longer journey times.
“Customers should check their journey before setting off, and keep an eye on our website, app or social media feeds for live updates.”
Flood warnings in place across Cumbria
The Environment Agency has issued five flood warnings in Cumbria, advising residents to “act now”.
Highest tide level is expected around 1:45pm to 2pm and flooding is possible throughout the day, the agency said.
Areas most at risk include Roa Island, West Shore Park, Biggar, Biggar Bank, Ocean Road, Carr Lane, Vickerstown Promenade, Rampside areas, Cavendish Dock and Ramsden Dock areas.
What advice has the Met Office given?
As it warns of powerful winds reaching up to 80mph, the Met Office has advised people in affected areas to check and plan how to secure loose items outside their properties.
Forecasters also suggested preparing for potential power cuts by considering gathering torches and batteries, and urged people to keep up to date with the latest forecast.
Ryanair warns of flight disruptions due to severe weather conditions
Ryanair has warned passengers of the flight disruptions due to weather conditions brought about by Storm Ashley.
In a statement on their website, the Irish airline said: “Affected passengers will be notified and any passengers travelling to/from Ireland on Sun 20 Oct should check their Ryanair app for the latest updates on their flight.
“We regret any inconvenience caused to passengers by these weather conditions, which are outside of Ryanair’s control and affect all airlines operating to/from Ireland Sun 20 Oct.
“Please be advised that due to Storm Ashley, we are monitoring potential delays to flights from/to the United Kingdom.”
Travellers have also been cautioned to check weather conditions and alerts before travel.
Full report: Weather warnings in place as Storm Ashley hits
Weather warnings in place as Storm Ashley hits
Heavy rain and winds of up to 80mph are predicted in parts of the UK during the first named storm of the season.
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