Mapped: Where Storm Ciarán will hit UK as new weather warnings issued - The Independent

For free real time breaking news alerts sent straight to your inbox sign up to our breaking news emails

Sign up to our free breaking news emails

Storm Ciarán is bringing heavy rain and gusts of wind to the UK with large parts of the country under yellow, amber, and red “danger to life” warnings.

The storm has been battering the British Isles and the Channel Islands, with strong winds and heavy rain forcing hundreds of schools to close and trains and flights to be cancelled.

The Met Office updated its amber warning for the south east on Thursday, showing wind speeds of up to 90mph across Sussex and Kent.

Meanwhile, more than 8,500 homes in Cornwall are without power, according to its council, and one woman’s home in Jersey had its roof ripped off.

There are both amber and yellow warnings for wind in place from Wednesday night until the end of Thursday and will affect large swathes of England and Wales.

A yellow warning for rain has also been issued for northeast England and southeast Scotland from Thursday morning until early Friday.

A red wind warning, the highest level, was issued by Jersey Met for Wednesday evening into Thursday, meaning residents are being warned to avoid being outside due to predicted gusts of almost 100mph.

A vehicle passes by as the breeze of high waves caused by storm Ciaran is seen in the background, in Penzance, Cornwall

(David Haigh via REUTERS)

Large swathes of the UK have be affected by the storm

(Met Office)

It comes after roads were closed in Northern Ireland due to heavy flooding following torrential rain, which saw a city canal burst its banks in Newry, Co Down on Monday. Widespread travel disruption was alsoreported as Bangor rail line and Translink announced closures and delays.

People in England are also being urged by the Environment Agency to prepare for “possible significant flooding” until Friday.

There are at least 24 flood warnings – where flooding is expected – and 113 flood alerts- where flooding is possible. Scotland has eight flood warnings and one flood alert, while Wales has been issued one flood warning and 14 flood alerts.

Kate Marks, flood duty manager at the Environment Agency advised people to “stay away from swollen rivers” as she urged people “not to drive through flood water as just 30cm of flowing water is enough to move your car”.

There are currently eight weather warnings in place across the UK which span the next three days.

This map shows the areas under weather warnings:

The Met Office has issued multiple weather warnings for this week

(Met Office)

Areas impacted by amber weather warning for wind:

Train operators have warned travellers to expect disruption with Southern Railway, ThamesLink and Gatwick Express urging commuters to work from home.

London Heathrow airport, the busiest in the UK, has imposed restrictions on the “flow rate” of arriving aircraft due to the strong winds expected to arrive with Storm Ciarán.

Hundreds of schools are also set to close to pupils and staff on Thursday as storms batter the south of the UK.

Met Office deputy chief meteorologist Chris Almond said: “Winds associated with Storm Ciaran are likely to gust to 80mph along the south coast of England, with a small risk of somewhere exposed seeing 90mph, and winds could even gust up to 50 or 60mph further inland.

“This deep, low-pressure system will also bring heavy rain to much of the UK, but the heaviest rain is expected in southern and western areas, with 20 to 25mm quite widely across the region but up to 40 to 60mm potentially over higher ground.

“Heavy and persistent rain will fall onto the already saturated ground, bringing a risk of further impacts such as flooding in areas that are already struggling to clean up from the heavy rainfall we have seen over the last week or so.”

The third named storm of this year’s season comes after areas across Scotland and north-east England were battered with the worst of Storm Babet, which caused serious damage and several deaths when it hit last week.

Adblock test (Why?)

https://news.google.com/rss/articles/CBMiV2h0dHBzOi8vd3d3LmluZGVwZW5kZW50LmNvLnVrL3dlYXRoZXIvc3Rvcm0tY2lhcmFuLXVrLW1hcC13aGVyZS13aGF0LXRpbWUtYjI0NDAyMTUuaHRtbNIBAA?oc=5

2023-11-02 10:44:39Z
2560801533

Gang shooting victim speaks out in new podcast - 'life has never been the same' - Birmingham Live

Sophie Ellis has revealed her pain over the tragic death of her sister at the hands of the Burger Bar Boys gang in a new podcast. The Burger Bar Boys were a deadly gang hailing from Handsworth and Winson Green areas, their criminal blight on Birmingham only heightened by their feud with the Johnson Crew.

Their intense rivalry led to the deaths of two teenage girls 20 years ago. Alleged members of the Burger Bar Boys shot Charlene Ellis, 18, and Letisha Shakespeare, 17 who were simply in the wrong place at the wrong time.

Now the twin sister of Charlene, Sophie Ellis, who was also injured in the crossfire, shares her ongoing pain after losing her beloved sister that horrifying night. As the daughter of the founding member of The Johnsons, Arthur ‘Super D’ Ellis, she also reveals the ongoing abuse her family receives 20 years on.

Read more:Palestine protesters throw box full of spray painted mice into McDonald's in Birmingham

POLL: Should XL Bully dogs be banned?

BBC Radio 5 Live podcast, Gangster: The Burger Bar Boys, will be released on November 3. In an extract from Sophie's interview, she said: "I saw the gun outside the window. Before you knew it, I found myself to the ground.

"I knew that I was shot because I was in agony. People were screaming and running around and it was horrific.

Letisha Shakespeare and Charlene Ellis

"I thought it was just me at the time. The choices that they made that night, obviously I'm a living consequence of that. I woke up one day and then lost my life. I lost my twin sister. My life has never been the same.

"I had to learn to walk again because I was in bed for so long, I lost a lot of blood. So it really was a journey. It’s life changing, I still suffer with those injuries today.

"Some of them are lifelong injuries. I am grateful that I'm still here, but nothing can replace the fact that my twin sister is not here. So it's life changing, very detrimental."

The Burger Bar Boys and Johnson Crew formed in the 1980s following Birmingham's Handsworth race riots. Word on the street claimed the groups started with "good intentions" to combat far right-wing racism.

Burger Bar Boys

They then devolved into the drug-running, machine-gun happy killers of the 1990s. Both gangs allegedly named themselves after their regular meeting spots, the Burger Bar on Soho Road and Johnson's café on Heathfield Road in Lozells.

Marcus Ellis, Nathan Martin, Michael Gregory and Rodrigo Simms were allegedly members of the Burger Bar Boys, they intended to shoot members of the Johnson Crew. But friends Charlene Ellis, 18, and Letisha Shakespeare, 17, were tragically killed in the machine gun shooting outside a New Year party, in Aston, on January 2, 2003.

Four men were later jailed for life over the murders. Sophie remembers the shooting aftermath saying: "When they got convicted, I remember my car being smashed. Windows being smashed.

"We had to press the panic alarm for the police to come, because obviously they knew where we lived at the time. And then there's been times when I've been in church and people are making comments like, oh, that's the girl that got my people.

"Like I'm the one that pulled the trigger. I think they should just continue to do their time and stop wasting our time.

Gangster, The Burger Bar Boys BBC 5 Live podcast (Image: BBC England & 5 Live)

"We're trying to live and do the best that we can do to try and move forward. But they keep trying to appeal and it's never going to happen."

Episodes one and two of Gangster: The Burger Bar Boys, hosted by BBC journalist Livvy Haydock, is available on BBC Sounds from November 3.

Read more about the Burger Bar Boys led to Birmingham being named the 'gun and gang capital'

Adblock test (Why?)

https://news.google.com/rss/articles/CBMiXGh0dHBzOi8vd3d3LmJpcm1pbmdoYW1tYWlsLmNvLnVrL25ld3MvbWlkbGFuZHMtbmV3cy9idXJnZXItYmFyLWJveXMtc2hvb3RpbmctdmljdGltLTI3OTk4ODM20gEA?oc=5

2023-11-02 05:30:00Z
2573683838

Storm Ciaran triggers travel chaos with flights, ferries and trains cancelled - The Independent

Sign up to Simon Calder’s free travel email for expert advice and money-saving discounts

Get Simon Calder’s Travel email

Storm Ciaran is causing widespread travel chaos, with cancellations and delays expected to last until Saturday as the UK braces for the weather event to hit.

The Met Office has issued two amber “danger to life” warnings, the second-highest level of alert, across England and Wales as heavy rain and strong winds started lashing the UK from Wednesday evening, prompting flights to be grounded and trains and ferry journeys to be shelved.

Met Office spokesperson Oli Claydon said the storm would bring coastal gusts of 70mph to 80mph and the potential for 85mph, with people urged to stay away from the water’s edge due to “very dangerous conditions”.

Northern Ireland has already seen flooding; a yellow rain warning from the Met Office was in place for the country until 9am on Wednesday.

The worst conditions are at sea, with warnings that waves in the Bay of Biscay could reach 14 metres (45ft) off the coast of Brittany. French forecasters are warning that gusts could exceed 160km/h (100mph).

Brittany Ferries have cancelled all UK-Spain voyages planned to cross the Bay of Biscay on Thursday. A ferry industry insider said: “The Bay of Biscay and Irish Sea is a monster. In the English Channel it’s a bit more like a bull in a china shop, with the worst damage expected throughout Thursday as the storm hammers through from west to east.”

All sailings by DFDS Ferries between the UK and France have been cancelled until Friday morning. The line normally links Dover with both Calais and Dunkirk. But the company said: “We regret to inform that sailings from the 11.59pm departure on 1 November until and including the 2am departure on 3 November have been suspended due to the extreme weather conditions.”

Affected passengers can contact the firm to rebook.

More rain and strong winds are predicted as Storm Ciaran approaches the UK

Earlier, DFDS said its Newhaven-Dieppe link would be suspended for 24 hours from Wednesday evening.

Condor Ferries have cancelled their sailings to and from Jersey until Saturday. The island’s airport is to be closed all day on Thursday, leading to the cancellation of dozens of flights including four to and from London Heathrow.

Passengers were told: “Airport authorities have decided to close the airport to commercial operations all day on Thursday. The airport will remain open for emergency and medical flights, and will reopen on Friday after a visual inspection of the airport infrastructure.”

Heathrow airport, the busiest in the UK, is seeing many other cancellations. British Airways have grounded 30 domestic and European flights, including two round trips to Amsterdam, two to Belfast City and two to Paris CDG. Passengers are being rebooked on other services, or can take a full refund.

In addition, KLM has cancelled five round trips between Amsterdam and Heathrow as a result of reduced runway capacity at the Dutch airport.

Thousands of passengers hoping to connect from other UK airports at Amsterdam Schiphol are also learning that their flights on Thursday have been cancelled.

KLM Royal Dutch Airlines told passengers: “Due to the expected weather conditions at Amsterdam Airport Schiphol, the runway capacity has been reduced on Thursday 2 November. As a result, some of our flights have been cancelled. We apologise for any inconvenience.”

A woman tries to walk through water as it flows through the streets after heavy rain caused extensive flooding in Ireland

All 17 UK airports served by KLM, from Bristol to Inverness, have had some departures and arrivals grounded. Almost 50 flights to and from Amsterdam are affected. London City, London Heathrow and Manchester are the worst hit.

Passengers are entitled to be rerouted free of charge, with KLM providing hotels and meals as necessary until they reach their destination.

And train operators from southwest England and Wales to Scotland are expecting widespread disruption.

Network Rail said: “Heavy rain accompanied by strong winds in some areas could affect journeys across Wales, the south of England and the Midlands on Thursday, and across the northeast of England and central and eastern Scotland on Thursday and Friday.

“Owing to the adverse weather conditions, passengers should allow extra time for their journeys and check before travelling as services may be disrupted.”

Great Western Railway (GWR) is advising passengers not to travel in Cornwall until at least noon on Thursday. It has cancelled all trains on the main line west of St Austell towards Penzance, as well as branch lines, during that spell.

“To help people make their journey, those with tickets for Wednesday evening will be able to travel earlier in the day,” GWR said. “Services may be subject to short-notice cancellation or alteration across the Great Western Railway network on Thursday 2 November, as Storm Ciaran is forecast to bring more rain and strong winds.

“The storm will also affect the road network, with poor road conditions and possible closures likely to impact the provision of rail replacement transport.”

Storm Ciaran is set to bring a fresh bout of wind and rain to the UK – with ‘danger to life’ amber weather warnings issued for Thursday

On the East Coast Main Line, connecting London King’s Cross with Yorkshire, northeast England and Scotland, LNER has warned that disruption to services due to Storm Ciaran will continue until at least Saturday 4 November – and is urging passengers not to attempt to travel on Thursday or Friday.

The train operator said: “We strongly advise customers to avoid travelling on Thursday 2 November and Friday 3 November.

“Some LNER trains will be running, but there is likely to be major disruption including severe delays, short-notice cancellations and overcrowding. There may be service alterations on Saturday 4 November as we work towards reinstating our normal timetable.”

In France, all regional express trains in the Hauts de France region – stretching from north of Paris to Calais and Dunkirk – have been cancelled. The train operator warned: “Exceptional phenomena are expected, with forecasts of violent winds in the north of France. In order to guarantee the safety of travellers and staff, a total interruption of TER Hauts-de-France traffic is planned for Thursday 2 November all day, with possible consequences on Friday 3 November in the morning.”

Adblock test (Why?)

https://news.google.com/rss/articles/CBMicmh0dHBzOi8vd3d3LmluZGVwZW5kZW50LmNvLnVrL3RyYXZlbC9uZXdzLWFuZC1hZHZpY2Uvc3Rvcm0tY2lhcmFuLXVrLXRyYXZlbC1mbGlnaHRzLXRyYWlucy1jYW5jZWxsZWQtYjI0NDAyMDMuaHRtbNIBAA?oc=5

2023-11-02 05:21:36Z
2560801533

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

Getty Images

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.

• Warning of 80mph winds as Storm Ciarán looms
• Main roads to close in Jersey ahead of storm
• Guernsey stocks up and prepares for storm

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.

BBC Weather

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.

Getty Images

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.

Sign up for our morning newsletter and get BBC News in your inbox.

Adblock test (Why?)

https://news.google.com/rss/articles/CBMiL2h0dHBzOi8vd3d3LmJiYy5jby51ay93ZWF0aGVyL2ZlYXR1cmVzLzY3Mjc0MzUz0gEA?oc=5

2023-11-01 08:59:58Z
2560801533

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

Sign up for the View from Westminster email for expert analysis straight to your inbox

Get our free View from Westminster email

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”.

1698833157

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

1698832502

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

1698831902

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

1698831002

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”.

Oliver Dowden

Matt Mathers1 November 2023 09:30

1698829802

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

1698829270

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

1698822000

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

1698820248

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

1698818400

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

1698816603

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

Adblock test (Why?)

https://news.google.com/rss/articles/CBMicWh0dHBzOi8vd3d3LmluZGVwZW5kZW50LmNvLnVrL25ld3MvdWsvcG9saXRpY3MvY292aWQtaW5xdWlyeS11ay1saXZlLWRvbWluaWMtY3VtbWluZ3MtYm9yaXMtam9obnNvbi1iMjQzOTU0My5odG1s0gEA?oc=5

2023-11-01 09:10:02Z
2542198489

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.

Met Office

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

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.

Jeff J Mitchell via Getty Images

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.

Police Scotland

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.

Getty Images

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.

Adblock test (Why?)

https://news.google.com/rss/articles/CBMiZGh0dHBzOi8vbmV3cy5zdHYudHYvc2NvdGxhbmQvc3Rvcm0tY2lhcmFuLXN3ZWVwcy1hY3Jvc3Mtc2NvdGxhbmQtYnJpbmdpbmctZmxvb2RpbmctYW5kLXRyYXZlbC1hbGVydHPSAQA?oc=5

2023-11-01 06:41:58Z
2560801533

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

What is extreme weather? | Decomplicated

Get the free Morning Headlines email for news from our reporters across the world

Sign up to our free Morning Headlines email

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.

1698820200

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

1698818646

Rain and wind forecast for Thursday

Rain forecast on Thursday as Storm Ciaran arrives

(Met Office)

Wind forecast on Thursday as Storm Ciaran arrives

(Met Office)

Stuti Mishra1 November 2023 06:04

1698816600

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

1698814824

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.

Map showing amber warnings in place on Thursday

(Met Office)

Stuti Mishra1 November 2023 05:00

1698813025

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.

Flooding in Carlingford, Co Louth

Stuti Mishra1 November 2023 04:30

1698809843

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

1698804000

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.

There are five yellow weather warnings in place across the UK

(Met Office)

Lydia Patrick1 November 2023 02:00

1698800400

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

2023/4 Storm Names

(Met Office/PA Wire)

Lydia Patrick1 November 2023 01:00

1698796800

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

1698793254

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

Adblock test (Why?)

https://news.google.com/rss/articles/CBMiaWh0dHBzOi8vd3d3LmluZGVwZW5kZW50LmNvLnVrL25ld3MvdWsvaG9tZS1uZXdzL3N0b3JtLWNpYXJhbi11ay10cmFja2VyLW1hcC13ZWF0aGVyLXdhcm5pbmctYjI0Mzk1MDguaHRtbNIBAA?oc=5

2023-11-01 06:30:00Z
2560801533