Yellow and amber weather warnings have been issued as Storm Ashley lashes parts of the UK with heavy rain and strong winds. The Met Office has warned of winds reaching 80mph and a threat to life due to large waves and beach material being thrown onto coastal areas. The first named storm of the season is expected to cause disruption to travel and power supplies.
The warnings cover various regions, with Scotland, Northern Ireland, and parts of England and Wales affected. Road users in Scotland are advised to avoid unnecessary travel, and events like the Great South Run in Portsmouth have been cancelled for safety reasons. Ferry services in Scotland have also been disrupted, with CalMac cancelling many routes.
The severe weather conditions are expected to continue until Monday morning, with fallen debris potentially affecting commuters. Residents are urged to take precautions, ensuring their vehicles are roadworthy and stocked with necessary supplies in case of emergencies. The Environment Agency has issued numerous flood warnings across the country.
Despite the challenges, the weather is forecast to improve by Monday, with winds easing and rain moving away from the south-east. The north of the UK is expected to remain blustery throughout the week. Meteorologists predict a windy day on Sunday with sunny spells, particularly in England and Wales.
As the storm continues to impact the country, authorities are closely monitoring the situation and providing updates to ensure public safety. Stay informed and take necessary precautions to stay safe during this period of extreme weather conditions.