The Met Office has issued a severe amber weather warning, its second highest alert, as Storm Kathleen prepares to unleash havoc across the UK this weekend. The storm is predicted to bring exceptionally strong winds, with gusts potentially reaching 70 miles per hour, posing a significant 'danger to life' from flying debris and damaged structures.
Immediate Impacts and Affected Regions
The amber warning for wind is in effect from 8 am to 10 pm on Saturday, covering southwest Scotland and a vast swathe of the UK. The most severe conditions are anticipated for northern and western regions, including:
- Northern Ireland
- The north of England
- The north of Wales
- Parts of Scotland
Met Office spokesman Stephen Dixon emphasised the severity of the incoming system, stating, "The storm is the fourth named storm of the season and the first to be named by the Irish met service, Met Eireann, this year."
Widespread Disruption Expected
Travel across the country is expected to be severely impacted. The public is being urged to prepare for:
- Road, rail, and air travel delays and cancellations.
- Potential power cuts affecting homes and businesses.
- Damage to buildings, such as tiles blown from roofs.
- Large waves and beach material being thrown onto coastal roads, sea fronts, and properties.
Alongside the destructive winds, the storm will pull warm air from the south, leading to unseasonably mild temperatures. Some areas could see the mercury rise to a record-breaking 22°C, marking potentially the hottest day of the year so far.
Staying Safe During the Storm
With the combination of extreme winds and potential heavy rainfall, the public is advised to stay vigilant. The Met Office warns of a good chance that power cuts could occur, with the potential to affect other services, such as mobile phone coverage. Residents in coastal areas should be especially cautious of large waves.
This alert follows a period of unsettled weather and serves as a stark reminder of the powerful and disruptive force of Atlantic storm systems, particularly during the spring season.
