Storm Ingrid has hit the UK, bringing heavy downpours and gusts of up to 60mph, with weather warnings in place across parts of Wales, Scotland, and southern England. The Met Office has issued a yellow warning valid until 9am on Saturday, warning of potential flooding, travel disruption, and power outages.
Met Office chief forecaster Neil Armstrong said the slow-moving system, named by the Portuguese weather service, could bring over 20mm of rain on already saturated ground, increasing the risk of impacts. Coastal areas face large waves and gusty winds, with 60mph peaks possible and 45-50mph inland.
Road closures are already in effect in parts of Scotland, and ScotRail has imposed speed restrictions on several routes, including Inverness to Edinburgh, Glasgow to Dumfries, and Glasgow to Mallaig. The Scottish Environment Protection Agency has issued 26 flood warnings and seven flood alerts.
In Aberdeenshire, firefighters rescued three people from stranded vehicles on Thursday morning, including two from a minibus near Kintore and one from a car near Banchory. Looking ahead, the Met Office warns of possible snow in northern and eastern areas, with wintry conditions expected next week.
Storm Ingrid arrives less than two weeks after Storm Goretti caused widespread disruption, closing hundreds of schools and leaving 65,000 properties without power in the Midlands and southwest England.
