Britain was rocked by a ferocious bout of weather as Storm Amy slammed into the nation, bringing destructive winds and torrential downpours that caused widespread chaos.
The Met Office had issued a series of severe yellow weather warnings for wind and rain, which proved to be frighteningly accurate. Gusts were recorded at a staggering 90mph in Capel Curig, Wales, while parts of Cumbria were drenched with over a month's average rainfall in just 24 hours.
Travel Network Thrown Into Turmoil
The storm's impact on the transport network was immediate and severe. Drivers were faced with perilous conditions on the roads, with numerous reports of fallen trees and localised flooding making journeys hazardous.
Rail travel was heavily disrupted. Major operators like Avanti West Coast, TransPennine Express, and Transport for Wales advised passengers not to travel on some routes, citing a high risk of trees on the line and potential damage to infrastructure.
Widespread Power Cuts and Damage
Thousands of homes were plunged into darkness as the high winds brought down power lines. Energy companies worked through the night to restore electricity to affected properties, but some households faced a prolonged wait.
The relentless rain also led to rising river levels, prompting the Environment Agency to issue multiple flood alerts and warnings, particularly across northern England and Wales. Emergency services were inundated with calls from residents dealing with the aftermath.
What's Next for the UK's Weather?
While the worst of Storm Amy has passed, the UK's unsettled weather is far from over. Forecasters predict that the blustery and showery conditions will persist throughout the week, a reminder that the battle with the elements continues.
