Storm Francis news – live: Flood warnings issued as 70mph winds and heavy rain to hit UK
Follow live updates below
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 Francis is expected to lash parts of the UK with up to 90mm of rainfall and to bring 70mph winds to some coastal regions on Tuesday, the Met Office has said.
The national weather service has issued yellow weather warnings for rain and an amber warning for wind as a result of the storm, which reached the west of the UK early on Tuesday morning.
Flooding has caused damage to buildings and homes in Ireland and Northern Ireland, while several rescue operations have taken place in Wales due to rising water levels.
Walkers brave windy conditions
Walkers head along Tynemouth beach near Newcastle in windy conditions on Tuesday. (Owen Humphreys/PA Wire)
Public advised not to swim
A warning sign on Brighton beach advises the public against swimming in the sea during Storm Francis. (Photo by Glyn KIRK / AFP) (Photo by GLYN KIRK/AFP via Getty Images)
Wind picks up across UK
A woman's umbrella turns inside out in the wind in Glasgow on Tuesday. (Photo by ANDY BUCHANAN/AFP via Getty Images)
Storm Francis causes severe flooding in Ireland
Storm Francis has brought widespread damage to parts of West Cork, after roads and properties were flooded following heavy rainfall.
A large amount of rain falling on already saturated ground caused the flooding, according to Cork County Council.
In a statement, the council warned motorists to be cautious and told the public to stay away from the coast.
"Members of the public are advised to stay high, stay dry and stay away from the coast, rivers and lakes. With strong gusts and high waves predicted, people are urged to refrain from visiting coastal areas,” part of the statement said.
Images and footage of severe flooding in Bantry, County Cork, have been posted on social media.
As well as in Cork, electricity firm ESB said power had been lost to homes and businesses in Carlow, Limerick and Wexford.
South Wales Police involved in two water searches in swollen River Taff
A spokesperson for South Wales Police said that the force was searching for two people in two separate incidents in the River Taff, which has become swollen due to heavy rainfall.
Emergency services responded to reports that one person had entered the water near the Principality Stadium on Tuesday morning and that a canoeist had capsized elsewhere on the river.
Meanwhile, a woman was rescue at the River Ely in Leckwith, South Wales Police said on Twitter.
Wind speeds hit 73mph on Tuesday morning, Met Office says
Gusts of 73mph were recorded on the Isle of Wight on Tuesday morning between 8am and 9am, the Met Office has said.
Elsewhere, the wind reached 67mph at the Isles of Scilly during the same period.
Heavy rain continues to fall across the UK, with 65.8mm dropping at White Barrow in Devon between 11pm on Monday and 7am on Tuesday, according to the Environment Agency
South Wales Police continue to search for two missing people
The force has said in a tweet that its staff remain on the scene of two river searches.
This comes after emergency services responded to reports that two people had gone missing in the swollen River Taff in separate incidents on Tuesday.
In the same message on Twitter, South Wales Police called on the public to take extra precautions when out driving or walking.
Storm Francis in photos
A fallen tree is removed by local council workers in Faithlegg in Waterford, Ireland, on 25 August, 2020. (Niall Carson/PA Wire)
Emergency services search the River Taff in Cardiff, Wales, following reports that a woman fell into the water on Tuesday morning. (Photo by Matthew Horwood/Getty Images)
A BA plane landing in strong winds at Heathrow Airport on Tuesday during Storm Francis. (Steve Parsons/PA Wire)
Welsh emergency services rescue holidaymakers
Fire crews in the town of St Clears, Carmarthenshire, rescued tourists after the campsite where they were staying flooded after heavy rainfall.
Mid and West Wales Fire and Rescue Service rescued nine people and two dogs as part of the operation.
Elsewhere, 30 people were evacuated from a caravan site in Wiseman's Bridge, Narberth, with one person needing medical treatment.
Natural Resources Wales has issued three flood warnings and 17 flood alerts as a result of Storm Francis, while the Environment Agency has 22 flood alerts in place across England.
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments