Minggu, 09 Februari 2020

Storm Ciara: Floods and travel disruption as UK hit by severe gales - BBC News

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Severe gales and heavy rain are sweeping across the UK as travellers face disruption from Storm Ciara.

There is widespread flooding and a severe warning - meaning a danger to life - has been issued for Pateley Bridge, north Yorkshire.

Thousands of people are without electricity and sporting fixtures have been cancelled due to the weather.

Airlines have cancelled dozens of flights, while several rail firms have urged passengers not to travel.

Ferry passengers also face delays and cancellations, while drivers have been warned to take extra care.

Large parts of the UK are covered by an amber warning for very strong winds, with gusts reaching more than 90mph in some places.

Sporting events called off because of the adverse weather include Manchester City's Premier League match against West Ham.

Western Power Distribution says 12,779 of its customers in the East and West Midlands, the South-West and South Wales do not have any electricity.

In the UK as a whole about 92,000 people were without power as of 13:00 GMT. Energy companies said they had reconnected 189,000 customers since the storm hit and work is continuing to restore electricity to the remaining homes.

One journey was made easier by Storm Ciara, however: a British Airways flight made the fastest subsonic New York to London flight as it rode a jet stream accelerated by the storm.

How bad is the storm?

The amber warning for wind in place across much of England and Wales until 21:00 GMT means that wind-blown debris and large waves could pose a danger to life.

Yellow weather warnings cover the whole of the UK until midnight on Sunday.

Wales has been hit by some of the the strongest winds so far, with a 93mph gust recorded in Aberdaron, north-west Wales, followed by 86mph in Capel Curig in Snowdonia.

Met Office meteorologist Alex Burkill said the size of the amber warning was very unusual, and showed how widespread the impact of Storm Ciara would be.

"It's not just coastal parts which are likely to see gusts of 70-80mph, but even inland areas, which don't usually see those strengths of wind," he said.

He added that those winds, combined with heavy rain would cause significant problems around the country. Already more than 100mm of rain has fallen in some parts of northern England and north Wales.

More than 250 flood warnings have been issued around the UK - meaning that flooding is expected - with more than 200 in England, more than 60 in Scotland, and 17 in Wales.

The Environment Agency has issued one severe warning for the River Nidd at Pateley Bridge, where the waters are expected to rise to 5.1m, overtopping flood defences and possibly posing a "danger to life".

How has travel been disrupted?

Heathrow Airport said it had taken the joint decision with its airline partners to operate a reduced timetable to minimise the number of flights cancelled at short notice.

British Airways has cancelled flights from Heathrow, Gatwick and London City, while Virgin Atlantic has posted a number of cancelled flights on its website.

Network Rail has imposed a blanket speed restriction of 50mph across the network on Sunday, warning passengers to only travel by train that day "if absolutely necessary".

The rail firms which issued "do not travel" warnings for Sunday were Gatwick Express, Grand Central, Great Northern, Hull Trains, LNER, Northern, Southeastern, Southern, Thameslink and TransPennine Express.

Flooding and debris on the tracks have caused delays and cancellations to many services.

Some of the routes affected by the weather include:

  • Edinburgh Waverley Station - closed to new passengers because of overcrowding
  • Avanti West Coast - no trains running north of Preston
  • Grand Central - all services cancelled on Sunday
  • Cross Country - line blocked between Birmingham New Street and Derby

London Euston temporarily closed due to overcrowding, but reopened within half an hour.

On the roads, the Humber Bridge in East Yorkshire was closed for only the second time in its history. It has reopened to cars, but not to vans or lorries.

The Dartford Crossing in Kent is closed to traffic.

Ferry services have also been affected, with all services suspended at the Port of Dover because of strong winds.

DFDS has also cancelled all its ferries between Newhaven and Dieppe.

What else has the storm affected?

A surfer in Hastings who lost his board in powerful waves was rescued by police, coastguard teams, a helicopter and a lifeboat. He had been missing at sea for about an hour.

Elsewhere, firefighters in Blackpool had to rescue a motorist whose car got stuck in floodwater. Blackpool Council tweeted that some properties were being evacuated.

The Queen did not attend church in Sandringham, Norfolk, because of "public safety reasons" due to the weather.

Other effects of the storm include:

  • Scotland's Women's Six Nations match against England has been postponed
  • Four Women's Super League matches have been called off, including Liverpool against Everton, where more than 20,000 fans were expected
  • Horse racing at Exeter, Southwell and Punchestown has been cancelled
  • The London Winter Run 10k - due to be attended by 25,000 runners - was cancelled
  • London's eight Royal Parks, which include Hyde Park and Regent's Park, are closed on Sunday

What's the forecast?

Strong gusts of wind are expected to continue to hit Northern Ireland and most of Scotland after the storm has passed on Monday.

The Met Office has issued yellow warnings for Monday for wind and snow in Scotland and Northern Ireland, and snow and ice across north-west England.

The yellow warnings for snow and ice remain in place for much of Scotland, northern Ireland and parts of the north of England on Tuesday and Wednesday.


Have you been affected by Storm Ciara? Share your experiences by emailing haveyoursay@bbc.co.uk.

Please include a contact number if you are willing to speak to a BBC journalist. You can also contact us in the following ways:

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2020-02-09 15:11:15Z
52780594341523

Storm Ciara: Floods and travel disruption as UK hit by severe gales - BBC News

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Severe gales and heavy rain are sweeping across the UK as travellers face disruption from Storm Ciara.

There is widespread flooding and one severe warning - meaning a danger to life - has been issued for Pateley Bridge, north Yorkshire.

More than 137,000 people lost power overnight, but energy companies said more than 99,000 had been reconnected.

Airlines have cancelled dozens of flights, while several rail firms have urged passengers not to travel.

Ferry passengers also face delays and cancellations, while drivers have been warned to take extra care.

An amber weather warning for wind is in place for large parts of the UK, with gusts reaching 94mph in some places.

Sporting events have been called off because of the adverse weather, including Manchester City's Premier League match against West Ham.

Heathrow Airport said it had taken the joint decision with its airline partners to operate a reduced timetable to minimise the number of flights cancelled at short notice.

British Airways has cancelled some flights from Heathrow, Gatwick and London City, while Virgin Atlantic has posted a number of cancelled flights on its website.

Network Rail has imposed a blanket speed restriction of 50mph across the network on Sunday, warning passengers to only travel by train that day "if absolutely necessary".

The rail firms which issued "do not travel" warnings for Sunday were Gatwick Express, Grand Central, Great Northern, Hull Trains, LNER, Northern, Southeastern, Southern, Thameslink and TransPennine Express.

Flooding and debris on the tracks have caused delays and cancellations to many services.

Some of the routes affected by the weather include:

  • Edinburgh Waverley Station - closed to new passengers because of overcrowding
  • Avanti West Coast - no trains running north of Preston
  • Grand Central - all services cancelled on Sunday
  • Cross Country - line blocked between Birmingham New Street and Derby

Ferry services have also been affected, with all services suspended at the Port of Dover because of strong winds.

DFDS has also cancelled all its ferries between Newhaven and Dieppe.

Elsewhere, firefighters in Blackpool had to rescue a motorist whose car got stuck in floodwater. Blackpool Council tweeted that some properties were being evacuated.

In Hastings, police, coastguard teams, a helicopter and a lifeboat rescued a surfer who had been missing at sea for about an hour.

Wales has been hit by the strongest winds so far, with a 93mph gust recorded in Aberdaron, north-west Wales, followed by 86mph in Capel Curig in Snowdonia.

Yellow weather warnings now cover the whole of the UK until midnight on Sunday.

An amber warning for wind is in place across much of England and Wales until 21:00 GMT on Sunday. The Met Office advises wind-blown debris and large waves could pose a danger to life.

Met Office meteorologist Alex Burkill said the size of the amber warning was very unusual, and showed how widespread the impact of Storm Ciara would be.

"It's not just coastal parts which are likely to see gusts of 70-80mph, but even inland areas, which don't usually see those strengths of wind," he said.

He added that those winds, combined with heavy rain would cause significant problems around the country. Already more than 100mm of rain has fallen in some parts of northern England and north Wales.

More than 250 flood warnings have been issued around the UK - meaning that flooding is expected - with more than 200 in England, more than 60 in Scotland, and 17 in Wales.

The Environment Agency has issued one severe warning for the River Nidd at Pateley Bridge, where the waters are expected to rise to 5.1m, overtopping flood defences and possibly posing a "danger to life".

The Queen did not attend church in Sandringham, Norfolk, because of "public safety reasons" due to the weather.

Other effects of the storm include:

  • Scotland's Women's Six Nations match against England has been postponed
  • Four Women's Super League matches have been called off, including Liverpool against Everton, where more than 20,000 fans were expected
  • Horse racing at Exeter, Southwell and Punchestown has been cancelled
  • The London Winter Run 10k - due to be attended by 25,000 runners - was cancelled
  • London's eight Royal Parks, which include Hyde Park and Regent's Park, are closed on Sunday
  • The Humber Bridge in East Yorkshire has closed for just the second time in its history
  • The Dartford Crossing in Kent is closed to traffic

The Met Office has also issued yellow warnings for Monday for wind and snow in Scotland and Northern Ireland, and snow and ice across north-west England.

In January, Storm Brendan swept into the UK, leading to power cuts and travel disruption.

This year's storm names have already been chosen, with Dennis due to be the name for the next storm.


Have you been affected by Storm Ciara? Share your experiences by emailing haveyoursay@bbc.co.uk.

Please include a contact number if you are willing to speak to a BBC journalist. You can also contact us in the following ways:

Let's block ads! (Why?)


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2020-02-09 14:03:45Z
52780594341523

Storm Ciara: Travel disruption as UK hit by severe gales - BBC News

Severe gales and heavy rain are sweeping across the UK as travellers face disruption from Storm Ciara.

Airlines have cancelled dozens of domestic and international flights, while several rail firms have urged passengers not to travel.

Ferry passengers also face delays and cancellations, while drivers have been warned to take extra care.

Amber weather warnings for wind and heavy rain are in place for most of the UK, with gusts of up to 90mph expected.

More than 150 flood warnings have been issued around the UK.

Heathrow Airport said it had taken the joint decision with its airline partners to operate a reduced timetable to minimise the number of flights cancelled at short notice.

British Airways has cancelled some flights from Heathrow, Gatwick and London City, while Virgin Atlantic has posted a number of cancelled flights on its website.

Network Rail has imposed a blanket speed restriction of 50mph across the network on Sunday, warning passengers to only travel by train that day "if absolutely necessary".

It said there was the potential for damage to overhead lines and tracks caused by debris or fallen trees.

The rail firms which issued "do not travel" warnings for Sunday were Gatwick Express, Grand Central, Great Northern, Hull Trains, LNER, Northern, Southeastern, Southern, Thameslink and TransPennine Express.

Avanti West Coast said no trains would run north of Preston until further notice because of the impact of Storm Ciara.

Southeastern train services between Sevenoaks and Orpington were disrupted by a trampoline blowing onto the line.

Ferry services have also been affected, with P&O cancelling some of its services between Dover and Calais.

Forecasters have predicted gusts of up to 90mph, and a 86mph gust was recorded in Capel Curig in Snowdonia, overnight.

An amber warning for wind is in place across much of England and Wales until 21:00 GMT on Sunday. The Met Office advises wind-blown debris and large waves could pose a danger to life.

Yellow weather warnings now cover the whole of the UK until midnight on Sunday.

An amber warning for rain is in place in parts of Scotland, meaning homes and businesses are likely to be flooded and some communities could be cut off by impassable roads.

Visitors battle strong winds during a thunderstorm at the annual Whitby Regatta, August 2019

Getty Images

Weather warnings guide
  • YellowSevere weather possible, plan ahead, travel may be disrupted

  • AmberIncreased likelihood of impact, eg travel delays, power cuts

Source: Met Office

The heaviest rain is expected over high ground where 50-70mm is expected, with as much as 100mm in a few locations.

The Environment Agency has issued more than 100 flood warnings - meaning flooding is expected - in England, while there are almost 60 in Scotland, and 10 in Wales.

Gusts of 50-60mph are expected quite widely across inland areas as the storm passes over the country, reaching 80mph in coastal areas - particularly in south-east England and northern Scotland.

Other effects of the storm include:

  • The London Winter Run 10k - due to be attended by 25,000 runners - was cancelled
  • Horse racing at Exeter and Southwell has been called off
  • Arsenal's sell-out Women's Super League game against Tottenham has been postponed
  • London's eight Royal Parks, which include Hyde Park and Regent's Park, are closed on Sunday
  • The Dartford Crossing in Kent is closed to traffic on Sunday

In January, Storm Brendan swept into the UK, leading to power cuts and travel disruption.

This year's storm names have already been chosen, with Dennis due to be the name for the next storm.


Have you been affected by Storm Ciara? Share your experiences by emailing haveyoursay@bbc.co.uk.

Please include a contact number if you are willing to speak to a BBC journalist. You can also contact us in the following ways:

Let's block ads! (Why?)


https://news.google.com/__i/rss/rd/articles/CBMiJGh0dHBzOi8vd3d3LmJiYy5jb20vbmV3cy91ay01MTQyNTQ4MtIBKGh0dHBzOi8vd3d3LmJiYy5jb20vbmV3cy9hbXAvdWstNTE0MjU0ODI?oc=5

2020-02-09 08:59:26Z
52780594341523

Sabtu, 08 Februari 2020

Storm Ciara: Flights cancelled as UK braces for gales - BBC News

Airlines have cancelled dozens of domestic and international flights as Storm Ciara approaches the UK.

Severe weather warnings have been issued for the weekend, with strong winds of up to 80mph and widespread heavy rain expected.

Several rail firms have urged passengers not to travel and say they will operate reduced timetables and speed restrictions on Sunday.

Ferry passengers also face disruption, as operators cancel some services.

Heathrow Airport announced it had taken the joint decision with its airline partners to "consolidate" Sunday's flight schedule in a bid to minimise the number of flights cancelled.

British Airways said it is offering flexible rebooking options for all customers on domestic and European flights flying to and from London Heathrow, London Gatwick and London City on Sunday.

Virgin Atlantic has posted a number of cancelled flights on its website.

High winds with gusts of up to 70mph have already caused travel disruption in Scotland and several bridges have been closed to high-sided vehicles.

Gusts of up to 70mph and hail have already hit the west coast of Scotland.

The Met Office said the current wet and windy weather is "the prelude" to Storm Ciara.

An amber warning for wind is in place across much of England and Wales from 08:00 until 21:00 GMT on Sunday. The Met Office advises wind-blown debris and large waves could pose a danger to life.

Yellow weather warnings now cover the whole UK and an amber warning for rain is in place in parts of Scotland, meaning homes and businesses are likely to be flooded and some communities could be cut off by impassable roads..

The heaviest rain expected over high ground where 50-70mm is expected, with as much as 100mm in a few locations.

Paul Knightley, senior meteorologist at MeteoGroup, said 70mph gusts had been recorded on the west coast of Scotland, with hail and wet snow falling on the Western Isles.

Wind speeds were expected to increase across Northern Ireland, Scotland, northern England and Wales during Saturday, before high winds reach the rest of the UK in the early hours of Sunday morning.

Gusts of 50-60mph are expected quite widely across inland areas as the storm passes over the UK, reaching 80mph in coastal areas - particularly in south-east England and northern Scotland.

The Met Office's yellow weather warning for wind - meaning travel disruption is likely - came into place at midday on Saturday.

It means people across the UK should expect travel delays and power cuts, as well as large waves along coastal roads and sea fronts.

At 00:00 GMT on Sunday, the yellow warning for wind extends to all of the UK for 24 hours, with warnings for rain in Northern Ireland, south-west Scotland, the north of England and much of Wales.

Visitors battle strong winds during a thunderstorm at the annual Whitby Regatta, August 2019

Getty Images

Weather warnings guide
  • YellowSevere weather possible, plan ahead, travel may be disrupted

  • AmberIncreased likelihood of impact, eg travel delays, power cuts

Source: Met Office

Network Rail has imposed a blanket speed restriction of 50mph across the network on Sunday, warning passengers to only travel by train that day "if absolutely necessary".

It said there was the potential for damage to overhead lines and tracks caused by debris or fallen trees.

Avanti West Coast, London North Eastern Railway and South Western Railway were among the train companies which said customers with tickets for Sunday would also be able to use them on some services on Saturday or Monday.

Grand Central cancelled all its services on the East Coast Main Line on Sunday.

Other effects of the storm include:

  • The London Winter Run 10k - due to be attended by 25,000 runners - was cancelled
  • London's eight Royal Parks, which include Hyde Park and Regent's Park, will close on Sunday
  • RHS Garden Wisley will close on Sunday
  • Humber Bridge warning of possible closure to all traffic on Sunday
  • P&O has cancelled seven ferries because of conditions in the Irish Sea

In January, Storm Brendan swept into the UK, leading to power cuts and travel disruption in parts of the UK.

This year's storm names have already been chosen, with Dennis due to be the name for the next storm.


Have you been affected by Storm Ciara? Share your experiences by emailing haveyoursay@bbc.co.uk.

Please include a contact number if you are willing to speak to a BBC journalist. You can also contact us in the following ways:

Let's block ads! (Why?)


https://news.google.com/__i/rss/rd/articles/CBMiJGh0dHBzOi8vd3d3LmJiYy5jb20vbmV3cy91ay01MTQyNTQ4MtIBKGh0dHBzOi8vd3d3LmJiYy5jb20vbmV3cy9hbXAvdWstNTE0MjU0ODI?oc=5

2020-02-09 01:16:36Z
52780594341523

Storm Ciara: Flights cancelled as UK braces for gales - BBC News

Airlines have cancelled dozens of domestic and international flights as Storm Ciara approaches the UK.

Severe weather warnings have been issued for the weekend, with strong winds of up to 80mph and widespread heavy rain expected.

Several rail firms have urged passengers not to travel and say they will operate reduced timetables and speed restrictions on Sunday.

Ferry passengers also face disruption, as operators cancel some services.

Heathrow Airport announced it had taken the joint decision with its airline partners to "consolidate" Sunday's flight schedule in a bid to minimise the number of flights cancelled.

British Airways said it is offering flexible rebooking options for all customers on domestic and European flights flying to and from London Heathrow, London Gatwick and London City on Sunday.

Virgin Atlantic has posted a number of cancelled flights on its website.

High winds with gusts of up to 70mph have already caused travel disruption in Scotland and several bridges have been closed to high-sided vehicles.

Gusts of up to 70mph and hail have already hit the west coast of Scotland.

The Met Office said the current wet and windy weather is "the prelude" to Storm Ciara.

An amber warning for wind is in place across much of England and Wales from 08:00 until 21:00 GMT on Sunday. The Met Office advises wind-blown debris and large waves could pose a danger to life.

Yellow weather warnings now cover the whole UK and an amber warning for rain is in place in parts of Scotland, meaning homes and businesses are likely to be flooded and some communities could be cut off by impassable roads..

The heaviest rain expected over high ground where 50-70mm is expected, with as much as 100mm in a few locations.

Paul Knightley, senior meteorologist at MeteoGroup, said 70mph gusts had been recorded on the west coast of Scotland, with hail and wet snow falling on the Western Isles.

Wind speeds were expected to increase across Northern Ireland, Scotland, northern England and Wales during Saturday, before high winds reach the rest of the UK in the early hours of Sunday morning.

Gusts of 50-60mph are expected quite widely across inland areas as the storm passes over the UK, reaching 80mph in coastal areas - particularly in south-east England and northern Scotland.

The Met Office's yellow weather warning for wind - meaning travel disruption is likely - came into place at midday on Saturday.

It means people across the UK should expect travel delays and power cuts, as well as large waves along coastal roads and sea fronts.

At 00:00 GMT on Sunday, the yellow warning for wind extends to all of the UK for 24 hours, with warnings for rain in Northern Ireland, south-west Scotland, the north of England and much of Wales.

Visitors battle strong winds during a thunderstorm at the annual Whitby Regatta, August 2019

Getty Images

Weather warnings guide
  • YellowSevere weather possible, plan ahead, travel may be disrupted

  • AmberIncreased likelihood of impact, eg travel delays, power cuts

Source: Met Office

Network Rail has imposed a blanket speed restriction of 50mph across the network on Sunday, warning passengers to only travel by train that day "if absolutely necessary".

It said there was the potential for damage to overhead lines and tracks caused by debris or fallen trees.

Avanti West Coast, London North Eastern Railway and South Western Railway were among the train companies which said customers with tickets for Sunday would also be able to use them on some services on Saturday or Monday.

Grand Central cancelled all its services on the East Coast Main Line on Sunday.

Other effects of the storm include:

  • The London Winter Run 10k - due to be attended by 25,000 runners - was cancelled
  • London's eight Royal Parks, which include Hyde Park and Regent's Park, will close on Sunday
  • RHS Garden Wisley will close on Sunday
  • Humber Bridge warning of possible closure to all traffic on Sunday
  • P&O has cancelled seven ferries because of conditions in the Irish Sea

In January, Storm Brendan swept into the UK, leading to power cuts and travel disruption in parts of the UK.

This year's storm names have already been chosen, with Dennis due to be the name for the next storm.


Have you been affected by Storm Ciara? Share your experiences by emailing haveyoursay@bbc.co.uk.

Please include a contact number if you are willing to speak to a BBC journalist. You can also contact us in the following ways:

Let's block ads! (Why?)


https://news.google.com/__i/rss/rd/articles/CBMiJGh0dHBzOi8vd3d3LmJiYy5jb20vbmV3cy91ay01MTQyNTQ4MtIBKGh0dHBzOi8vd3d3LmJiYy5jb20vbmV3cy9hbXAvdWstNTE0MjU0ODI?oc=5

2020-02-08 23:14:28Z
52780594341523

Storm Ciara: Flights cancelled as UK braces for gales - BBC News

Airlines have cancelled dozens of domestic and international flights as Storm Ciara approaches the UK.

Severe weather warnings have been issued for the weekend, with strong winds of up to 80mph and widespread heavy rain expected.

Several rail firms have urged passengers not to travel and say they will operate reduced timetables and speed restrictions on Sunday.

Ferry passengers also face disruption, as operators cancel some services.

Heathrow Airport announced it had taken the joint decision with its airline partners to "consolidate" Sunday's flight schedule in a bid to minimise the number of flights cancelled.

British Airways said it is offering flexible rebooking options for all customers on domestic and European flights flying to and from London Heathrow, London Gatwick and London City on Sunday.

Virgin Atlantic has posted a number of cancelled flights on its website.

High winds with gusts of up to 70mph have already caused travel disruption in Scotland and several bridges have been closed to high-sided vehicles.

Gusts of up to 70mph and hail have already hit the west coast of Scotland.

The Met Office said the current wet and windy weather is "the prelude" to Storm Ciara.

An amber warning for wind is in place across much of England and Wales from 08:00 until 21:00 GMT on Sunday. The Met Office advises wind-blown debris and large waves could pose a danger to life.

Yellow weather warnings now cover the whole UK and an amber warning for rain is in place in parts of Scotland, meaning homes and businesses are likely to be flooded and some communities could be cut off by impassable roads..

The heaviest rain expected over high ground where 50-70mm is expected, with as much as 100mm in a few locations.

Paul Knightley, senior meteorologist at MeteoGroup, said 70mph gusts had been recorded on the west coast of Scotland, with hail and wet snow falling on the Western Isles.

Wind speeds were expected to increase across Northern Ireland, Scotland, northern England and Wales during Saturday, before high winds reach the rest of the UK in the early hours of Sunday morning.

Gusts of 50-60mph are expected quite widely across inland areas as the storm passes over the UK, reaching 80mph in coastal areas - particularly in south-east England and northern Scotland.

The Met Office's yellow weather warning for wind - meaning travel disruption is likely - came into place at midday on Saturday.

It means people across the UK should expect travel delays and power cuts, as well as large waves along coastal roads and sea fronts.

At 00:00 GMT on Sunday, the yellow warning for wind extends to all of the UK for 24 hours, with warnings for rain in Northern Ireland, south-west Scotland, the north of England and much of Wales.

Visitors battle strong winds during a thunderstorm at the annual Whitby Regatta, August 2019

Getty Images

Weather warnings guide
  • YellowSevere weather possible, plan ahead, travel may be disrupted

  • AmberIncreased likelihood of impact, eg travel delays, power cuts

Source: Met Office

Network Rail has imposed a blanket speed restriction of 50mph across the network on Sunday, warning passengers to only travel by train that day "if absolutely necessary".

It said there was the potential for damage to overhead lines and tracks caused by debris or fallen trees.

Avanti West Coast, London North Eastern Railway and South Western Railway were among the train companies which said customers with tickets for Sunday would also be able to use them on some services on Saturday or Monday.

Grand Central cancelled all its services on the East Coast Main Line on Sunday.

Other effects of the storm include:

  • The London Winter Run 10k - due to be attended by 25,000 runners - was cancelled
  • London's eight Royal Parks, which include Hyde Park and Regent's Park, will close on Sunday
  • RHS Garden Wisley will close on Sunday
  • Humber Bridge warning of possible closure to all traffic on Sunday
  • P&O has cancelled seven ferries because of conditions in the Irish Sea

In January, Storm Brendan swept into the UK, leading to power cuts and travel disruption in parts of the UK.

This year's storm names have already been chosen, with Dennis due to be the name for the next storm.


Have you been affected by Storm Ciara? Share your experiences by emailing haveyoursay@bbc.co.uk.

Please include a contact number if you are willing to speak to a BBC journalist. You can also contact us in the following ways:

Let's block ads! (Why?)


https://news.google.com/__i/rss/rd/articles/CBMiJGh0dHBzOi8vd3d3LmJiYy5jb20vbmV3cy91ay01MTQyNTQ4MtIBKGh0dHBzOi8vd3d3LmJiYy5jb20vbmV3cy9hbXAvdWstNTE0MjU0ODI?oc=5

2020-02-08 22:52:50Z
52780594341523

Storm Ciara: Flights cancelled as UK braces for gales - BBC News

Airlines have cancelled dozens of domestic and international flights as Storm Ciara approaches the UK.

Severe weather warnings have been issued for the weekend, with strong winds of up to 80mph and widespread heavy rain expected.

Several rail firms have urged passengers not to travel and say they will operate reduced timetables and speed restrictions on Sunday.

Ferry passengers also face disruption, as operators cancel some services.

Heathrow Airport announced it had taken the joint decision with its airline partners to "consolidate" Sunday's flight schedule in a bid to minimise the number of flights cancelled.

British Airways said it is offering flexible rebooking options for all customers on domestic and European flights flying to and from London Heathrow, London Gatwick and London City on Sunday.

Virgin Atlantic has posted a number of cancelled flights on its website.

High winds with gusts of up to 70mph have already caused travel disruption in Scotland and several bridges have been closed to high-sided vehicles.

Gusts of up to 70mph and hail have already hit the west coast of Scotland.

The Met Office said the current wet and windy weather is "the prelude" to Storm Ciara.

An amber warning for wind is in place across much of England and Wales from 08:00 until 21:00 GMT on Sunday. The Met Office advises wind-blown debris and large waves could pose a danger to life.

Yellow weather warnings now cover the whole UK and an amber warning for rain is in place in parts of Scotland, meaning homes and businesses are likely to be flooded and some communities could be cut off by impassable roads..

The heaviest rain expected over high ground where 50-70mm is expected, with as much as 100mm in a few locations.

Paul Knightley, senior meteorologist at MeteoGroup, said 70mph gusts had been recorded on the west coast of Scotland, with hail and wet snow falling on the Western Isles.

Wind speeds were expected to increase across Northern Ireland, Scotland, northern England and Wales during Saturday, before high winds reach the rest of the UK in the early hours of Sunday morning.

Gusts of 50-60mph are expected quite widely across inland areas as the storm passes over the UK, reaching 80mph in coastal areas - particularly in south-east England and northern Scotland.

The Met Office's yellow weather warning for wind - meaning travel disruption is likely - came into place at midday on Saturday.

It means people across the UK should expect travel delays and power cuts, as well as large waves along coastal roads and sea fronts.

At 00:00 GMT on Sunday, the yellow warning for wind extends to all of the UK for 24 hours, with warnings for rain in Northern Ireland, south-west Scotland, the north of England and much of Wales.

Visitors battle strong winds during a thunderstorm at the annual Whitby Regatta, August 2019

Getty Images

Weather warnings guide
  • YellowSevere weather possible, plan ahead, travel may be disrupted

  • AmberIncreased likelihood of impact, eg travel delays, power cuts

Source: Met Office

Network Rail has imposed a blanket speed restriction of 50mph across the network on Sunday, warning passengers to only travel by train that day "if absolutely necessary".

It said there was the potential for damage to overhead lines and tracks caused by debris or fallen trees.

Avanti West Coast, London North Eastern Railway and South Western Railway were among the train companies which said customers with tickets for Sunday would also be able to use them on some services on Saturday or Monday.

Grand Central cancelled all its services on the East Coast Main Line on Sunday.

Other effects of the storm include:

  • The London Winter Run 10k - due to be attended by 25,000 runners - was cancelled
  • London's eight Royal Parks, which include Hyde Park and Regent's Park, will close on Sunday
  • RHS Garden Wisley will close on Sunday
  • Humber Bridge warning of possible closure to all traffic on Sunday
  • P&O has cancelled seven ferries because of conditions in the Irish Sea

In January, Storm Brendan swept into the UK, leading to power cuts and travel disruption in parts of the UK.

This year's storm names have already been chosen, with Dennis due to be the name for the next storm.


Have you been affected by Storm Ciara? Share your experiences by emailing haveyoursay@bbc.co.uk.

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https://news.google.com/__i/rss/rd/articles/CBMiJGh0dHBzOi8vd3d3LmJiYy5jb20vbmV3cy91ay01MTQyNTQ4MtIBKGh0dHBzOi8vd3d3LmJiYy5jb20vbmV3cy9hbXAvdWstNTE0MjU0ODI?oc=5

2020-02-08 22:13:44Z
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