Babak Belurs

Rabu, 01 November 2023

UK weather: Severe warnings issued ahead of Storm Ciarán - BBC

By Simon King

BBC Weather

Amber severe weather warnings for wind have been issued by the Met Office ahead of Storm Ciarán moving in on Wednesday night.

Damaging gusts of wind and stormy seas are expected in southern parts of the United Kingdom.

Heavy rain will also spread northwards which may lead on to further flooding issues.

Travel disruption is likely in some areas so the advice is to stay tuned to updates.

Storm Ciarán (pronounced Keer-on) is rapidly developing on its approach to the UK later on Wednesday. In a process called explosive cyclogenesis, the low pressure system will deepen by over 24 millibars in 24 hours.

Winds will strengthen from late Wednesday and through Thursday as Storm Ciarán approaches from the south-west.

The most powerful winds are expected in the English Channel hitting the Channel Islands and north-west France where wind gusts of up to 100mph (161km/h) are predicted.

The Jersey Met Service has issued a red warning from Wednesday evening and throughout Thursday. It warns of storm force winds, exceptional gusts, rainfall and coastal flooding.

Preparations are already under way in the Channel Islands with the Jersey government saying people should work from home where possible to "reduce the risk" to those providing essential services.

In north-west France, red warnings have been issued by Météo-France with Brittany expected to be badly hit. Interior Minister Gérald Darmanin has appealed for people "not to go out during the night from Wednesday into Thursday" across the entire country.

Map of the south of the UK with amber warnings covering coastal areas for high winds.

In southern England, there are two amber severe weather warnings from the Met Office.

The first covers south-west England and south-west Wales from 03:00 GMT Thursday until noon on Thursday.

Gusts of 70-80mph (112-130km/h) are expected around coastal areas, perhaps even 85mph (137km/h) in the most exposed locations.

Strong winds will then transfer east along the south coast into south-east England where the second amber warning is valid from 06:00 to 20:00 on Thursday.

These wind strengths have the potential to bring damage to trees and power lines with transport disruption likely. Cross channel ferries could be especially disrupted.

Very large waves could bring additional impacts to coastal areas of the English Channel.

Inland gusts across southern parts of the UK could be as high as 50-60mph (80-97km/h) which again can bring some disruption and damage.

The Met Office points out that the extent of these high winds remains a little uncertain and is dependent on the exact track of Storm Ciarán.

Heavy rain

Rain associated with Storm Ciarán will move north-east from Wednesday evening and throughout Thursday.

Persistent and heavy rain will be followed by heavy showers and thunderstorms.

There are severe weather warnings in force for southern England, parts of Wales, north-east England and Northern Ireland suggesting widely 20-40mm (1-2in) of rainfall with 40-60mm (2-3in) possible over high ground.

Flooding

While rainfall totals expected with Storm Ciarán are not necessarily high or unusual with autumn storms, problems are likely as it comes after a very wet period for many.

River levels remain high with ground already very saturated. There are also still around 70 flood warnings in force across the UK.

Photograph of cars with flood water high up covering the bottom part of the car.

Stay tuned for updates

Because the exact track Storm Ciarán is likely to take is still a little uncertain, there may be further updates as it approaches.

The track will influence the timing and strength of the most damaging winds so that may still change slightly.

It would therefore be worth staying across the forecast and warnings on our BBC Weather website or social channels.

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2023-11-01 08:59:58Z
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Covid inquiry live: Dominic Cummings denies misogyny over sexist rant against Helen MacNamara - The Independent

Covid inquiry roundup: Lee Cain and Dominic Cummings provide worrying insight into No 10

Dominic Cummings has apologised for the language used in a series of foul-mouthed messages criticising members of the government but denied misogyny over a sexist rant against a civil servant.

Boris Johnson’s former chief of staff was shown a host of sweary WhatsApps at the Covid inquiry on Tuesday, in which he called his former colleagues “useless f***pigs, morons and c***s” during the pandemic.

He apologised for his disparaging language but defended the criticism more generally, saying he was reflecting “a widespread view” that senior politicians were “dealing with this crisis extremely badly.”

To audible gasps in the press annex, one message was read out in which Mr Cummings called former top civil servant Helen MacNamara a “c***” and said he would “handcuff her and escort her” from Downing Street. However, he denied misogyny.

It was also revealed that Boris Johnson hit out at suggestions his wife Carrie was leading lockdown policy as “cr**” in a message to Mr Cummings.

Giving evidence earlier on Tuesday morning, Lee Cain, Mr Johnson’s former communications chief, said the pandemic was the “wrong crisis for this prime minister’s skill set”.

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And we are off... live from the press annex at the Covid inquiry

After yesterday’s hearing revealed a tirade by Dominic Cummings against Helen MacNamara in which he called Britain’s former top female civil servant a "c***", she will today have the chance to respond, Archie Mitchell reports.

Ms MacNamara will no doubt be questioned about her role in the Partygate scandal, after she brought a karaoke machine to a leaving bash for Downing Street aide Hannah Young during the pandemic.

Matt Mathers1 November 2023 10:05

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Cummings is a ‘dysfunctional psychopath’, says former No 10 comms chief

A former No 10 communications chief has described Dominic Cummings as a “dysfunctional psychopath” who actively sought to undermine Boris Johnson.

Guto Harri, who briefly served as Johnson’s director of communications during the dying days of his premiership, said he was shocked to see the extent to which his old boss had been criticised by some his top advisers.

Referring to WhatsApp messages between Lee Cain and Dominic Cummings shown to the Covid inquiry on Tuesday, Harri accused the pair of being engaged in an “ongoing, almost adolescent...WhatsApp rant” against the former PM.

More comments below:

Matt Mathers1 November 2023 09:55

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Evidence to inquiry ‘clear evidence of scandalously bad government’ - former health sec

Testimony given to the Covid inquiry this week is “clear evidence of scandalously bad government”, a former health secretary has said.

Stephen Dorrell, the Tory health secretary from 1995 to 1997, said the sessions showed there was a need to reestablish distance between politicians and civil servants.

“I can think of no circumstance in which it’s appropriate for senior civil servants to engage in political gossip on WhatsApp with whom people they are supposed to be accountable,” he said.

Watch a clip of Dorrell’s interview with Sky below:

Matt Mathers1 November 2023 09:45

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Boris Johnson will give ‘full acount’ in his evidence, says deputy PM

The Covid inquiry has already heard from a host of big-name politicos, including former prime minister David Cameron and his chancellor, George Osborne.

But perhaps the biggest draw is yet to come, with Boris Johnson himself set to testify before the end of the current module, which is set to conclude on 14 December.

Speaking to Sky News earlier, Oliver Dowden, the current deputy PM who served as Tory Party chairman under Johnson, said his old boss would give a “full account” when he is eventually called to give evidence.

“I am quite sure that when the former prime minister gives evidence he will give a full account of himself, the cabinet office has given a very full account of how we conducted ourselves,” he told the broadcaster.

“I am not going to give commentary on one individual piece of information because it needs to fit in with a much wider picture of how we conducted ourselves both at the time and through the vaccine programme, and through all the different, very difficult decisions that were taken around the cost and benefits of lockdowns.”

When asked about the testimony given by Cummings, Dowden cautioned against “taking one person’s evidence” as it needed to be taken “in the context of all the other evidence”.

Matt Mathers1 November 2023 09:30

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Recap: What happened during Tuesday’s session

Boris Johnson and his former chief adviser, Dominic Cummings, dominate the headlines today following the latter’s marathon evidence session on Tuesday.

Cummings, described as the most empowered adviser No 10 has ever seen, took several swipes at his old boss and criticised Whitehall’s ability to deal with a crisis.

In an extraordinary day of evidence, it was revealed that Cummings himself had described the constant change of strategy as “exhausting” and branded his cabinet “useless f***pigs” in explosive WhatsApp messages.

Johnson, meanwhile, was accused of saying old people needed to accept their “fate”. Below is a full recap of Tuesday’s proceedings, which also saw Lee Cain, Johnson’s former communications chief, testify:

Matt Mathers1 November 2023 09:10

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Good morning and welcome to The Independent’s coverage of the Covid inquiry.

Helen MacNamara, the former deputy cabinet secretary, will give evidence from 10am.

David Halpern, president and former chief executive officer of the Behavioural Insights Team, will give evidence after McNamara at 2pm.

Stay tuned for live updates.

Matt Mathers1 November 2023 09:01

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Watch - Lee Cain and Dominic Cummings provide worrying insight into No 10

Covid inquiry roundup: Lee Cain and Dominic Cummings provide worrying insight into No 10

Lydia Patrick1 November 2023 07:00

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Covid was ‘wrong crisis’ for Boris Johnson to handle, ex-Comms chief tells inquiry

Mr Johnson dithered between supporting a lockdown and wanting to keep the country open in what was described as his Mayor of Jaws “routine”, the UK Covid-19 Inquiry was told on Tuesday.

Lee Cain, his long-term adviser who served as No 10’s communications director in the pandemic, said Mr Johnson’s erratic decision-making was “rather exhausting”.

“Get in here he’s melting down,” Mr Cummings wrote on March 19 2020, days before the first lockdown, adding that Mr Johnson was “back to Jaws mode wank”.

Maroosha Muzaffar1 November 2023 06:30

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ICYMI - Boris Johnson’s chaotic ‘flip-flopping’ made it ‘impossible’ to tackle Covid, advisers’ messages reveal

Scathing WhatsApp messages sent between Boris Johnson’s top team accused the former PM of creating chaos during the Covid crisis – complaining that he “flip-flopped” every day on direction and made it “impossible” to tackle the pandemic.

The ex-principal private secretary – dubbed “Party Marty” for his “bring your own booze” email during Partygate – said he was “deeply sorry” for his role in organising the infamous event and Mr Johnson’s birthday gathering at No 10.

Lydia Patrick1 November 2023 06:00

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Top civil servant referenced in ‘misogynistic’ messages to give inquiry evidence

Helen MacNamara, the former deputy cabinet secretary, will become the latest pandemic-era senior official to face questions about the response on Wednesday after two days of hearings revealed the dysfunction, indecision and dithering inside Boris Johnson’s government.

The ex-civil servant, who departed the civil service in 2021, was namechecked in proceedings on Tuesday as Mr Cummings denied he had behaved in a misogynistic way during his time in Downing Street.

“I don’t care how it’s done but that woman must be out of our hair – we cannot keep dealing with this horrific meltdown of the British state while dodging stilettos from that c***,” he wrote.

Maroosha Muzaffar1 November 2023 05:30

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2023-11-01 09:10:02Z
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Storm Ciarán sweeps across Scotland bringing flooding and travel alerts - STV News

Latest updates

A 12-hour Met Office yellow weather warning is in force until 3pm on Wednesday
Storm Ciarán is bringing heavy rain across south west, central and north west Scotland
A crash blocked the A9 northbound at 6.40am on Wednesday
Railway line between Brora and Helmsdale remains closed after damage to seawall

Storm Ciarán is battering Scotland with heavy rain bringing flooding and travel disruption across the country.

A 12-hour Met Office yellow weather warning came into force at 3am on Wednesday.

It comes as clean-up operations in the wake of Storm Babet continue with hundreds still unable to return to their homes.

Storm Ciarán, the third named storm of the season, has already brought strong winds and rain to parts of the UK.

A crash blocked the A9 northbound at 6.40am on Wednesday. Police and ambulance were called to the scene near Daviot.

The railway line between Brora and Helmsdale remains closed after Storm Babet saw the seawall damaged with no “definitive date” for it reopening.

/1 Due to a urgent repairs to the railway between Helmsdale and Brora, the line remains closed. Equipment and materials are on site but at the moment we have no definitive date when we'll be able to run trains again through this area because of the site's remote location. pic.twitter.com/WlNxaQ25h0
— ScotRail (@ScotRail) November 1, 2023

Parts of southwest, central and eastern Scotland will see homes and businesses flooded, bus and train services disrupted with driving conditions made difficult, the Met Office said.

Another yellow weather warning has been extended into Scotland covering south west Scotland, including Lothian and the Borders on Thursday. It is in force from 6am and lasts until 6am on Friday.

Following recent very wet weather, further heavy rain is expected to affect Central, Tayside, Fife, Gramoian, and Strathclyde spreading from south to north through the course of Wednesday. Met Office

Further heavy rain is expected to affect south east Scotland on Thursday Met Office

Following recent very wet weather, further heavy rain is expected to affect Central, Tayside, Fife, Grampian, and Strathclyde spreading from south to north through the course of Wednesday.

Rainfall amounts are likely to reach 20-30 mm widely, with a risk of 40-50 mm in some locations, mainly over higher ground, the Met Office said.

“While Storm Ciaran will largely affect England and Wales with the worst of the wind and rain, Scotland will once again experience another spell of very wet weather in the coming days,” said STV meteorologist Sean Batty.

“Again the worst of the rainfall will fall in the east of the country, especially over higher ground.

Waves crash over the harbour on October 19 in Stonehaven. Jeff J Mitchell via Getty Images

“In the easterly air flow between Wednesday and Friday 40-60mm of rain could fall fairly widely over Easter Ross, Aberdeenshire, Angus, Perthshire, East Lothian and the Borders.

“This is less rainfall than we got from Storm Babet, however, water tables are still higher than normal and this extra rainfall could again lead to some flooding issues.

“The highest risk of flooding on this occasion looks like it’ll be across East Lothian and the Borders Thursday into Friday with a lesser risk in the wider eastern area stretching from Aberdeenshire to Fife and Midlothian.

“Stronger southerly then easterly winds will also bring some large waves and a risk of coastal issues from overtopping of sea walls around Ayrshire on Wednesday and then Orkney and the east coast on Thursday and Friday.”

Seven people died due to the severe weather during Storm Babet, including three in Scotland; Wendy Taylor, 57, of Perthshire; John Gillan, 56, of Arbroath; and Peter Pelling, 61, also of Arbroath.

Storm Babet deaths: Wendy Taylor, 57, of Perthshire; Peter Pelling, 61, of Arbroath; and John Gillan, 56, also of Arbroath. Police Scotland

Seven dead and hundreds lose homes in Storm Babet

It comes as work continues in the recovery of Storm Babet.

The A90, between Forfar and Brechin, Angus, was reopened in both directions from Dundee to Stonehaven, Aberdeenshire, under a contraflow, after engineers were able to examine two “high-risk” structures hit by the storm.

Wild weather caused considerable erosion of the bridge at Finavon, carrying the A90 over the River South Esk, and a contraflow traffic management system was introduced to enable safe crossing until repairs are completed.

Members of the Coastguard rescue a woman from flood waters surrounding the houses on October 20, 2023 in Brechin. Getty Images

A GoFundMe page set up by Brechin Flood Relief has so far raised £45,000 to help families who have lost their homes.

An anonymous donor gave £2,500.

The gym at Brechin Community Campus was “half full” of items donated to help families in need.

The storm claimed three lives in Scotland including that of Peter Pelling, from Arbroath, who became trapped in his car in floodwater.

A search was launched at about 3am on Friday after police received a report near Marykirk, Aberdeenshire.

Mr Pelling’s body and car were recovered on Monday.

Wendy Taylor, 57, died after being swept into the Water of Lee, Glen Esk, on Thursday.

John Gillan, 56, also died on Thursday after a tree hit his van as he was driving on the B9127 at Whigstreet near Forfar.

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2023-11-01 06:41:58Z
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Storm Ciarán latest update: ‘Danger to life’ warning issued - The Independent

What is extreme weather? | Decomplicated

The Met Office has issued two amber warnings and five yellow warnings across the UK as Britain prepares to be battered by Storm Ciarán’s 70mph winds and torrential rainfall tomorrow.

The storm will hit the South Coast as Ciarán makes land tomorrow the Met Office have issued yellow warnings in Sussex as heavy downpours and gusts hit the coast from 5am.

South Wales and the South West will also be placed under a yellow alert from 6pm to midnight as the regions will face wide disruption.

Amber warnings will be introduced to the South West and South Coast on Thursday as powerful winds and rainfall could pose a risk to life.

“Amber weather warnings issued. Very strong and damaging winds associated with Storm Ciarán bringing travel disruption. Large waves may also bring coastal impacts,” the Met Office said.

Gusts of 80mph winds to areas along the south coast of England are expected, while up to 60mm of rain is expected to fall in some areas.

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Met Office issues more than 70 flood warnings ahead of Storm Ciarán as amber alert comes into effect

Across the UK, the Environment Agency has issued more than 70 flood warnings ahead of the arrival of Storm Ciarán on Wednesday while yellow weather warnings for rain have been issued by the Met Office from Monday until Thursday.

The warning covers Counties Antrim, Down and Armagh. It came into effect at 9pm on Monday and extends until 9am on Tuesday.

The Met Office has forecast persistent heavy rain, leading to flooding and transport disruption.

Lydia Patrick1 November 2023 06:30

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Rain and wind forecast for Thursday

<p>Rain forecast on Thursday as Storm Ciaran arrives</p> — Rain forecast on Thursday as Storm Ciaran arrives
(Met Office)

<p>Wind forecast on Thursday as Storm Ciaran arrives</p> — Wind forecast on Thursday as Storm Ciaran arrives
(Met Office)

Stuti Mishra1 November 2023 06:04

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Today’s weather forecast ahead of Storm Ciaran’s arrival

The Met Office forecasts a largely unsettled and windy day today ahead of the arrival of Storm Ciaran tomorrow with some sunny outbreaks.

A number of Severe Weather Warnings have already been issued by the forecaster.

Storm Ciarán will move northeastwards with heavy rain and damaging winds affecting many parts of England and Wales.

In the north, the rain is expected to begin slowly clearing through the day, remaining heavy at times and mainly dry at night with lighter winds across Scotland and Northern Ireland.

In south, the blustery showers will give way to heavy rain and gales spreading in from the southwest as Storm Ciarán arrives later at night.

“Aahead of Storm Ciarán, a squally cold front will move eastwards across southern and southeast England bringing bursts of heavy rain and coastal gusts of 60-70mph, mainly from Dorset eastwards," Met Office chief meteorologist Dan Suri, said.

Stuti Mishra1 November 2023 05:30

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Two Amber warnings issued for England and Wales

The Met Office has issued two amber alerts for England and Wales tomorrow as much of the country is bracing itself for a fresh bout of wind and rain with Storm Ciaran.

Amber warnings are in place for the entire south coast of England and parts of Pembrokeshire where Storm Ciaran is due to hit, together with several further yellow rain warnings.

The storm has already caused flooding in Northern Ireland, where a yellow rain warning from the Met Office is in place until 9am today.

A similar notice has been issued for parts of southwest, central and eastern Scotland from 3am to 3pm and in southern parts of England and Wales from 6pm on today until the end of tomorrow.

A further yellow warning for rain and wind has been issued across the southeast coast from 5am to 9am today with a yellow warning for wind across southern England and parts of South Wales from 6pm today and throughout tomorrow.

Here’s a map showing areas covered under amber warning.

<p>Map showing amber warnings in place on Thursday</p> — Map showing amber warnings in place on Thursday
(Met Office)

Stuti Mishra1 November 2023 05:00

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Newry swamped as more floods hit Ireland

Large parts of Newry in Co Down have been swamped by floodwater as the city's canal burst its banks amid heavy rainfall.

Dozens of businesses were engulfed in the floods, with widespread damage caused to buildings, furnishings and stock.

Police have warned people to stay out of the city centre as streets have turned into rivers.

Thousands of sandbags have been stacked along the canal to try to stem to flow amid fear of further breaches.

Parts of the canal walls have already collapsed into the water and the authorities are concerned more sections could give way.

Other areas in the north east of the island of Ireland were also badly hit by the overnight rain, with homes flooded in Camlough in Co Armagh and Newcastle in Co Down.

The main motorway and train line linking Belfast and Dublin were both affected by flooding on Tuesday, causing major disruption for cross-border travellers.

In Newry, Sugar Island, Kildare Street, Canal Quay and part of Bridge Street were among the areas worst hit.

<p>Flooding in Carlingford, Co Louth</p> — Flooding in Carlingford, Co Louth

Stuti Mishra1 November 2023 04:30

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Areas under Amber warning on Thursday

An amber warning is in place from 3am to 1pm tomorrow in Cornwall, Devon and the extreme west coast of Pembrokeshire, with the Met Office predicting Storm Ciaran will bring winds of 75 to 85mph with 65 to 75mph gusts inland.

Across the south coast, from Dorset eastwards, the amber warning runs from 6am to 8pm with winds expected to reach 70 to 80 mph with the potential for 85mph and large waves.

The warning says wind could disrupt travel, power lines and cause structural damage with flying debris providing a threat to life.

Stuti Mishra1 November 2023 03:37

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Mapped - Today’s weather warnings

There are five weather warnings in place across the UK as torrential rainfall and gusty winds of up to 70mph are set to strike.

<p>There are five yellow weather warnings in place across the UK</p> — There are five yellow weather warnings in place across the UK
(Met Office)

Lydia Patrick1 November 2023 02:00

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Met Office’s list of storm names

Ciarán is the third named storm of the season, following Agnes and Babet.

The Met Office name storms to aid the communication of approaching severe weather through media partners and other government agencies to improve the public response.

2023/4 Storm Names

Lydia Patrick1 November 2023 01:00

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Panic buyers storm supermarkets in Channel Islands leaving shelves empty

Panicked shoppers have emptied supermarkets as Channel Island residents have been advised to stay indoors on Thursday when Ciarán arrives on their shores.

Despite supermarket bosses reassuring residents they have enough supplies to last the duration of the storm, islanders rushed to stockpile essential goods amid worries freight ferries won’t be able to reach the islands, report ITV.

Lydia Patrick1 November 2023 00:00

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Guernsey resident prepares for Storm Ciarán

A father has brought heavy items indoors as the Channel Islands brace themselves for the arrival of Storm Ciarán.

Gary Rich, a carpenter from Guernsey, has packed up expensive goods from his garden in preparation for heavy winds that can sweep up weighty items and cause heavy destruction to surrounding buildings.

Lydia Patrick31 October 2023 23:00

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2023-11-01 06:30:00Z
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Selasa, 31 Oktober 2023

Storm Ciarán latest update: ‘Danger to life’ warning issued - The Independent

What is extreme weather? | Decomplicated

The Met Office has issued two amber warnings and five yellow warnings across the UK as Britain prepares to be battered by Storm Ciarán’s 70mph winds and torrential rainfall tomorrow.

The storm will hit the South Coast as Ciarán makes land tomorrow the Met Office have issued yellow warnings in Sussex as heavy downpours and gusts hit the coast from 5am.

South Wales and the South West will also be placed under a yellow alert from 6pm to midnight as the regions will face wide disruption.

Amber warnings will be introduced to the South West and South Coast on Thursday as powerful winds and rainfall could pose a risk to life.

“Amber weather warnings issued. Very strong and damaging winds associated with Storm Ciarán bringing travel disruption. Large waves may also bring coastal impacts,” the Met Office said.

Gusts of 80mph winds to areas along the south coast of England are expected, while up to 60mm of rain is expected to fall in some areas.

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