Britain is grappling with severe weather conditions as Storm Ingrid sweeps across the nation, bringing powerful 60mph gusts, torrential downpours, and dangerous coastal waves. The tempest has prompted the activation of hundreds of flood alerts while forcing significant rail line closures, creating widespread travel chaos.
Met Office Issues Extended Weather Warning
The Met Office has implemented a substantial 31-hour yellow weather warning for both wind and rain, covering South West England and South Wales. This alert commenced at 2am today and will remain in effect until 9am tomorrow, highlighting the prolonged nature of this weather event.
Multiple Rounds of Heavy Rainfall Expected
Meteorologists report that the initial band of precipitation from Storm Ingrid – which was named by the Portuguese weather service IPMA – could deliver up to 20mm (0.7 inches) of rainfall within just a few hours. This moisture is falling upon already saturated ground, significantly elevating flood risks.
Following a brief drier interval, further bands of intense rain are forecast to push northward into the warning area throughout the afternoon and evening. Forecasters anticipate an additional 20mm (0.7 inches) of rain will fall widely across the region by tomorrow morning, with some locations potentially receiving up to 40mm (1.6 inches).
Dangerous Wind Conditions and Coastal Impacts
This secondary period of rainfall will be accompanied by robust winds, coastal gales, and substantial waves. Inland areas may experience gusts ranging from 45 to 50mph, while coastal regions could face winds reaching up to 60mph. Coastal routes and sea fronts are particularly vulnerable to spray and large waves, with wind speeds expected to peak this evening before gradually subsiding overnight.
Transport Disruption and Safety Concerns
Meteorologists have issued warnings about hazardous driving conditions caused by spray and flooding on roadways. The storm also threatens power cuts and significant delays to various transport modes including trains, buses, planes, and ferry services.
Rail operators have implemented major service alterations in response to the severe weather. CrossCountry and Great Western Railway passengers have been notified that the line between Exeter St Davids and Newton Abbot in Devon will close from 8.30pm tonight due to safety concerns. This closure will remain in effect until at least 2pm tomorrow while engineers conduct essential line inspections.
Additionally, from 5pm today, no CrossCountry services will operate between Exeter St Davids and Paignton and Plymouth. From 8.30pm, Great Western Railway services between Exeter St Davids and Newton Abbot and Paignton will also be suspended. Rail replacement transport will be available from 5pm, with disruption expected to continue until 4pm tomorrow.
In Cornwall, the line between Liskeard and Looe will stay closed until at least the end of tomorrow following recent heavy rain that flooded the tracks.
Flood Alert Status Across the Nations
Flooding represents a substantial risk across multiple regions. The Environment Agency has issued 26 warnings and 163 alerts for England alone. Meanwhile, the Scottish Environment Protection Agency has 24 warnings and seven alerts active, and Natural Resources Wales has issued five alerts.
Expert Meteorological Analysis
Met Office chief forecaster Neil Armstrong provided detailed insight into the weather system: 'An area of low pressure, named Storm Ingrid by the Portuguese national weather service, will bring spells of heavy rain and strong winds across much of South West England on Friday before easing on Saturday morning.'
Armstrong further explained: 'The system is slow-moving but will bring more than 20mm of rain for some which is falling on saturated ground, increasing the chances of impacts. In addition to rain, large waves and gusty winds are likely, especially along southern coasts, with 60mph peaks possible, with 45 to 50mph inland.'
Scottish Weather Challenges
Scotland continues to face significant weather challenges following yesterday's amber warning. A yellow warning remains active for some Scottish areas until the end of today, with forecasts predicting up to 120mm (4.7 inches) of rain over the highest ground exposed to south-easterly winds. Notably, precipitation will increasingly fall as snow in certain locations.
Network Rail has implemented emergency speed restrictions on several routes for safety purposes. These restrictions affect multiple lines including those between Stranraer and Ayr, and between Carlisle and Glasgow Central via Dumfries, both until 12pm today.
Additional restrictions are in place until the same time between Glasgow Queen Street and Oban and Mallaig; between Glasgow Queen Street and Edinburgh and Inverness; between Edinburgh and Aberdeen and Inverness; and between Montrose and Aberdeen and Inverurie.
Emergency Response and Rescue Operations
In Aberdeenshire, the Scottish Fire and Rescue Service conducted rescue operations yesterday for three individuals whose vehicles became immobilised due to floodwater. Two people were extracted from a minibus on the B977 near Kintore at approximately 8.30am, while in a separate incident around the same time near Banchory, one person was rescued from a car on the B976.
Bear Scotland has warned of potential disruption to roads in affected areas, including the A85 between Crieff and Lochearnhead in Perthshire. The Scottish Government's Resilience Room has convened meetings to discuss flooding response strategies.
Maritime Transport Affected
Ferry operator CalMac has reported numerous service cancellations, with the possibility of additional delays or last-minute cancellations as conditions develop. The combination of strong winds and large waves creates particularly hazardous conditions for maritime travel.
Weekend Outlook and Beyond
The Met Office indicates that low pressure will continue to dominate weather patterns throughout the weekend, bringing further strong winds and rainfall to many regions. Looking ahead, forecasters have warned of potential 'wintry hazards' next week for northern and eastern parts of the UK, with some areas possibly experiencing snowfall.
As Storm Ingrid continues its path across Britain, authorities urge the public to remain vigilant, check travel updates regularly, and take necessary precautions against flooding and hazardous weather conditions.
