The Met Office has issued an amber weather warning for parts of the UK as Storm Barra is set to bring winds of up to 70mph and heavy rain. The storm, the second named storm of the winter season, will hit on Tuesday, following closely after Storm Arwen caused widespread disruption last week.
Winds of 45-50 mph are expected widely, with gusts of 60-70 mph in exposed coastal locations, according to Frank Saunders, chief meteorologist at the Met Office. The strongest winds will ease across inland areas overnight. Travel delays are likely, along with possible short-term loss of power and other services.
Heavy rain is forecast for Wales and southern England, turning to snow and sleet in northern England and Scotland. Brent Walker, deputy chief meteorologist, warned that two to five centimetres of snow could accumulate widely, with up to 10 cm possible in parts of the Southern Uplands and Highlands. Strong south-easterly winds will lead to snow drifting, particularly over higher routes, reducing visibility.
Storm Barra follows Storm Arwen, which caused significant travel disruption and power cuts across Merseyside and other regions, with some homes still without power. The Met Office advises the public to prepare for potential disruption and to stay updated with the latest warnings.
