The Met Office has named a new storm, Storm Lilian, as a weather warning has been issued for parts of Wales. The 12th named storm of the season is expected to bring high winds and heavy rain. A yellow warning for high winds has been put in place from 5 am to 11 am on Friday morning. The storm has been caused by the remnants of ex-hurricane Ernesto crossing the Atlantic.
The effects of the storm have already been felt, with a fallen tree closing a major rail line and causing heavy traffic. New Order’s concert in Cardiff Bay was cancelled due to the bad weather. The warning from the Met Office states the possibility of very strong winds with gusts reaching 50 to 60mph, and potentially up to 80mph in some areas, affecting major routes and infrastructure.
Welsh weather forecaster Derek Brockway reported storm force winds near Capel Curig, with gusts of 74mph. There are also flood alerts in place for coastal areas of Wales. The affected areas include Conwy, Denbighshire, Flintshire, Gwynedd, and the Isle of Anglesey. Despite the stormy weather, the forecast for Wales this weekend predicts a mix of sunny spells and scattered showers.
The Met Office warns of a breezy weekend with temperatures near the seasonal average, but occasional heavy showers on Saturday. The weather may turn cloudier on Bank Holiday Monday. Drivers are advised to be cautious on the roads near the coast. As the impacts of Storm Lilian continue to unfold, residents of Wales are urged to stay informed about potential risks and weather updates.