A Met Office has issued warnings for wind and rain as Storm Ashley hits parts of the UK. The storm brings heavy rain and 80mph winds, posing threats of injuries and danger to life, according to the Met Office. A yellow warning for wind has been put in place for Scotland, Northern Ireland, north-west England, and Wales, while an amber warning for north-west Scotland warns of large waves and coastal dangers. Met Office meteorologist Dan Stroud mentioned the risk of severe gales coinciding with high tides, potentially causing very large waves.
In Scotland, road users are advised to avoid unnecessary travel, and the Great South Run in Portsmouth has been cancelled due to safety concerns. Scot Rail and CalMac have announced service disruptions, with precautionary speed restrictions in place for some rail routes due to fallen debris. The Environment Agency and Natural Resources Wales have issued multiple flood warnings and alerts across various regions. The Met Office forecasted windy conditions for Sunday, with gusts up to 80mph in western Scotland.
On Monday, winds are expected to ease with rain moving towards the south-east, while the north will remain blustery throughout the week. Chief Superintendent Hilary Sloan of Police Scotland advised motorists to plan ahead and ensure their vehicles are roadworthy. CalMac has cancelled several services on the west coast of Scotland, and the company warned of potential disruptions due to fallen trees.
Overall, Storm Ashley brings challenging weather conditions, prompting authorities and residents to take necessary precautions and stay updated on the latest developments. Stay safe and prepared during this period of severe weather.