Flights have been cancelled across the UK as Storm Lilian sweeps through the country, leading to travel disruptions and safety warnings for drivers. British Airways is among the airlines that have had to cancel flights due to strong winds of up to 80mph affecting northern parts of England and Wales. The cancellations include both domestic and international journeys, with Heathrow and Leeds Bradford airports experiencing delays and diversions.
The Met Office has issued yellow weather warnings for rain in South East England and wind warnings across northern England and north Wales. The RAC estimates a high volume of leisure trips by car over the weekend, urging drivers to take precautions in areas affected by the storm. National Highways has also reported closures, including the M48 Severn Bridge in Gloucestershire due to strong winds.
Organisers of events like the Reading and Leeds Festivals have issued urgent weather reports, advising attendees to stay safe and delay their arrival if possible. Forecasters predict that Lilian’s impact will lessen by Friday afternoon, with scattered showers expected for the rest of the day and settled conditions developing in southern and eastern England and Wales.
Despite the disruptions caused by Storm Lilian, drivers, campers, and event organisers are advised to stay vigilant and take necessary precautions to ensure their safety. As the storm moves off into the North Sea, the UK can expect a mix of sunny spells, showers, and slightly below-average temperatures for the August bank holiday weekend.
Lilian is the 12th named storm of the season, marking the first storm since April and demonstrating the potential for disruptive weather conditions. Stay updated with the latest news and weather alerts to navigate safely through the impacts of Storm Lilian across the UK.