Storm Ingrid is set to continue its assault on Britain throughout the coming week, bringing persistent heavy downpours and powerful winds that are expected to cause significant disruption across the nation. The storm, which has already unleashed gusts of up to 60mph, triggered numerous flood alerts, and forced rail line shutdowns, has wreaked particular havoc in the South West of England.
Historic Pier Suffers Severe Damage
One of the most striking impacts of the storm has been the severe damage inflicted upon the historic Teignmouth Grand Pier in Devon. Built in 1865, the pier lost huge sections after being pummelled by strong waves and relentless rain throughout Friday night. Teignmouth mayor, Councillor Cate Williams, expressed profound sadness at seeing parts of the beloved structure destroyed, noting it had "taken a real battering" from the ferocious weather.
Widespread Weather Warnings in Place
The Met Office has issued multiple yellow weather warnings for heavy rain across extensive parts of the UK. These warnings currently cover areas of South West England, Wales, Scotland, and Northern Ireland. Specifically, a warning for Somerset, Devon, Cornwall, and much of south Wales remains active until 10pm on Saturday, with separate alerts for Northern Ireland and Scotland valid until 9am on Sunday.
Forecasters predict that most of the South West could see 20-40mm of rainfall, with some exposed locations potentially receiving up to 50mm. This raises a serious risk of flooding, especially in areas already saturated by recent rains.
Unsettled Week Ahead with Further Disruption
Met Office meteorologist Tom Morgan provided a detailed outlook, stating: "It's been a contrasting picture depending on where you live, but if you haven't seen rain so far this weekend, the likelihood is that you will see some tonight or through Sunday." He explained that a strong jet stream powering across the north Atlantic, fuelled by significant temperature contrasts in North America, is driving the unsettled conditions.
"As it comes across the Atlantic, it gets stormy across the UK. So, unfortunately, the weather is looking very much unsettled right the way across the coming week," Mr Morgan added. He warned that high winds are likely to cause travel disruption and flooding in the days ahead, with Tuesday expected to be particularly blustery and wet. Further rainfall warnings are anticipated.
Potential for Snow and Continued Hazards
In addition to rain and wind, forecasters have highlighted the possibility of "wintry hazards" next week, particularly for the north and east of the UK. There is a small chance of disruptive snow, mainly across the higher ground of northern England and Scotland on Tuesday, which could create problematic conditions for travel on highland routes.
Another Met Office yellow warning for rain has been issued, covering large parts of southwest England and south Wales from 6pm on Monday to 2pm on Tuesday, indicating the prolonged nature of this weather event.
Local Impact and Infrastructure Strain
In Teignmouth, Mayor Cate Williams described the scene, noting the town had experienced unusually high winds and powerful waves that damaged benches, flower beds, and paving stones along the seafront, alongside the historic pier. "Ingrid really gave the pier a battering... it has worked its way through previous storms and wars and all sorts of things, but it has got a bit old and the legs and structures have been beaten by Ingrid," she said. "It's really sad... it's such a focal point of our town."
The Environment Agency has escalated its alerts, with 13 flood warnings—meaning flooding is expected—remaining in place across south west England as of 5pm on Saturday. A further 135 flood alerts, indicating that flooding is possible, are active across many parts of the country.
National Rail has reported major disruption to railway services in south-west England, with cancellations and delays expected to persist throughout Saturday. The combination of saturated ground, high winds, and continued precipitation suggests that travel and infrastructure challenges will remain a key concern for communities and authorities in the days to come.
