UK weather forecast latest: Met Office snow & lightning warning as Brits flee homes amid 'danger to life' floods
A NEW storm is set to hit the UK TODAY, just days after the unruly weather from Storm Eunice.
The next storm is set to be called Gladys, as it is next on the Met Office’s list of names. However it has not yet been confirmed and named by forecasters, but the Met Office has issued a yellow weather warning as 60mph gale force winds.
Today, a new yellow weather warning for wind has been issued for parts of the North East, Cumbria and North Yorkshire from 6am to 3pm.
A yellow warning for wind and snow has also been issued for parts of Scotland and Northern Ireland with heavy snow showers forecast as well as 'very gusty winds'.
Parts of the UK including London and Bristol could also see up to 2cm of snowfall per hour on Thursday, according to the latest weather graphs by WXcharts.
Snow will reach the north of England from 6pm on Wednesday continuing down to the Midlands overnight, according to the latest predictions.
Bristol could see snowy weather between 9am and midday on Thursday when there is a chance snow will scatter parts of southern England.
Read our weather live blog for the latest on Storm Eunice…
- Joseph Gamp
‘Severe gales through to March’
A Met Office forecaster says Brits across the country should prepare for the gloomy weather.
He said: “Monday has early snow crossing northern areas and gales.
“Tuesday to Thursday will be often windy, with a mix of rain, sleet and snow showers on Thursday.
“Gales or severe gales will be possible almost anywhere through the period to March 5, and especially in the North.
“The first half of March is likely to be a continuation of changeable conditions, with winds remaining strong across the North and southern areas less windy.”
- Joseph Gamp
Temperatures expected to drop
A Met Office spokesman has said that over the next few days: “Temperatures across Scotland and Northern Ireland are expected to drop sharply following a squally band of rain on Wednesday, with frequent heavy and blustery snow showers arriving from the Atlantic.
“The showers will be accompanied by strong, blustery winds, with gusts of 50-60 mph possible, and a small chance of 70 mph on coasts.
“Blizzard conditions are likely over higher ground.
“Snow showers are increasingly likely to turn back to rain and sleet at low levels later Thursday morning and early afternoon, although remaining as snow above 200-300m.”
- Joseph Gamp
UK weather outlook for Thursday and Friday
Early rain across England and Wales will clear south-eastwards during the morning on Thursday to reveal sunny spells and a chance of showers, some wintry.
Any early showers on Friday will soon clear.
It will then be fine as it will be dry and bright with long spells of winter sunshine expected.
- Joseph Gamp
Weather expected to settle by Friday
The weather is expected to settle around Friday when the winds will ease.
Met Office meteorologist Mark Wilson said it will “turn a lot drier and brighter” but it might only be a short-lived, calmer spell for some parts.
Wilson said: “I think at the moment, we’re past the worst, there will be more rain around but not in a similar note to what we’ve seen in recent days.
“We will be keeping a close eye on it because some areas are quite sensitive to rain after recent flooding.”
- Joseph Gamp
So windy, your umbrella might not even help
Met Office meteorologist Mark Wilson told The Sun Online a snow warning is in place for parts of Scotland and Northern Ireland from 1pm on Wednesday until 3pm on Thursday.
He said there is a small chance of 70mph winds on the coasts of western Scotland and Northern Ireland but it’s more likely the winds will reach gusts between 50 – 60mph.
Low levels up to 10cm of snow can be expected and 30cm on the higher ground of Scotland which are likely to see blizzards.
It will be blustery across England with winds reaching 30 – 40mph, but the Met Office isn’t forecasting snow to fall outside far northwest of the UK.
- Joseph Gamp
Showers with possible lightning
According to The Daily Mirror, a Met Office spokesman has said that this week: “Temperatures across Scotland and Northern Ireland are expected to drop sharply following a squally band of rain on Wednesday, with frequent heavy and blustery snow showers arriving from the Atlantic.
“The showers will be accompanied by strong, blustery winds, with gusts of 50-60 mph possible, and a small chance of 70 mph on coasts.
“Blizzard conditions are likely over higher ground.
“There is a very small chance that some of the showers could be accompanied by frequent lightning, which may could impact power supplies.
“Snow showers are increasingly likely to turn back to rain and sleet at low levels later Thursday morning and early afternoon, although remaining as snow above 200-300m.”
- Joseph Gamp
When will ‘Storm Gladys’ hit the UK?
The next storm will be called Gladys, as it is next on the Met Office’s list of names, however fully fledged storm has not yet been confirmed and named by forecasters.
The Met Office has issued a yellow weather warning as 60mph gale force winds, with snow due for many parts of the country.
The weather system will hit the north west of England from 6am until 3pm on Wednesday, and large parts of Scotland will also see with snow and wind between 1pm to 3pm.
Another warning is in place for Thursday between 1pm and 3pm, for heavy snow showers, very gusty winds and a small chance of lightning.
- Joseph Gamp
Pictured: Cars submerged by floodwaters in York city centre
In the image below, a goose goes by submerged cars in York city centre.
Large areas by the river Ouse were flooded after heavy rains in the North Yorkshire hub.
NINTCHDBPICT000714034824Credit: Alamy - Joseph Gamp
Environment Agency warns UK 'still faces significant flooding'
Met Office issued yellow warnings for wind, snow and lightning across parts of northern England, Scotland and Northern Ireland on Wednesday.
Dan Bond, flood duty manager at the Environment Agency, said: "We are still facing a significant flooding risk, and we are urging people to remain vigilant and take extreme care.
"Last weekend's heavy rainfall on already wet areas continues to cause river flooding along the River Severn and is likely to continue over the next few days."
- Joseph Gamp
Flooded communities urged to stay vigilant
Communities are being urged to stay vigilant after "incredibly frightening" floods caused by heavy rain.
In Bewdley, Worcestershire, search and rescue crews were out checking properties and speaking to residents on Wednesday after temporary flood defences were breached following heavy rainfall on Tuesday afternoon.
The River Severn peaked in the town on Wednesday afternoon but levels are expected to remain high for a prolonged period and a severe flood warning, meaning a danger to life, is still in place.
The last week has seen storms Dudley, Eunice and Franklin cause problems across the country and about 400 properties have been flooded.
- Joseph Gamp
Snow & lightning warning in place this evening
The Met office tweeted: "Scotland, Northern Ireland and parts of Northern England.
"Showers of sleet and snow are following closely behind across Northwest Scotland.
"A #snow and #lightning warning is in force from this evening."
- Joseph Gamp
40,000 homes protected by flood defences, says environment secretary
Environment Secretary George Eustice said 40,000 homes had been protected by flood defences, as he was quizzed on flooding and the lack of permanent defences on the River Severn at the National Farmers' Union conference.
He said: "The Severn has had some issues particularly around Bewdley and Ironbridge and also some issues as well around Shrewsbury, but actually the defences that we have put in place have been very successful, as they were two years ago, protecting those communities.
"We know there are around 40,000 homes that have been protected by the flood defences put in place and on the Severn in particular we have these rather innovative demountable barriers that enable you to use the river normally most of the year.
"And then when the flood risk arises, we put up temporary barriers alongside the river, and those have been remarkably successful at reducing the flood risk particularly along the Severn, and have been again this time."
- Joseph Gamp
Severe flood warnings in place today
Two severe flood warnings, meaning there is a danger to life, have been issued for the River Severn at the Wharfage in Ironbridge and in Wribbenhall, Bewdley, where levels could overtop the defences, the agency said.
As of 5.30am on Wednesday morning, there were 67 flood warnings and 72 flood alerts.
Around 400 properties have flooded across different parts of the country as a result of the heavy rain.
- Joseph Gamp
Why are flight delays more likely in winter?
Fog, snow, ice and crosswinds mean that air traffic controllers have to increase the gap between planes that are landing, reducing the number of aircraft that an airport can manage.
The same weather can make it slower and more difficult for the planes to taxi between runway and terminal building. As many commercial flights are cruising more than five miles above the ground, they can be affected by different weather than we are experiencing on the ground.
Safety is always the first consideration for the aviation industry. An aircraft that's stood overnight in freezing weather will need de-icing before its first flight in the morning.
That's a fairly big task for one plane but imagine the task at Heathrow on a snowy January morning. At the same time there are miles of taxiways and runways to clear.
Then think about the people who do this work getting to the airport – the same snow and ice are probably affecting the roads and railways.
- Joseph Gamp
When will ‘Storm Gladys’ hit the UK?
The next storm will be called Gladys, as it is next on the Met Office’s list of names, however fully fledged storm has not yet been confirmed and named by forecasters.
The Met Office has issued a yellow weather warning as 60mph gale force winds, with snow due for many parts of the country.
The weather system will hit the north west of England from 6am until 3pm on Wednesday, and large parts of Scotland will also see with snow and wind between 1pm to 3pm.
Another warning is in place for Thursday between 1pm and 3pm, for heavy snow showers, very gusty winds and a small chance of lightning.
- Joseph Gamp
In pictures: Search & rescue operations in Bewdley, Worcestershire
In the image below, search and rescue teams check on residents in Bewdley, in Worcestershire.
Floodwater from the River Severn yesterday breached the town’s flood defences following high rainfall after Storm Franklin.
Elsewhere on the river a severe flood warning, meaning there is a danger to life, has been issued at the Wharfage in Ironbridge.
Credit: PA - Joseph Gamp
Weather outlook for this evening and tonight
Band of rain, heavy at times, continuing to move south, still affecting southern areas by morning and possibly turning to sleet near the back edge.
Cold and windy with gales, sleet, snow and hail showers, possibly thundery, further north.
- Joseph Gamp
Weather from across the Atlantic
Meteorologists have said the adverse weather is due to a strong jet stream driving weather systems across the Atlantic.
Met Office chief meteorologist, Andy Page, said: “As Storm Franklin clears the UK and pushes into the near continent this afternoon the windy conditions will gradually ease and showers become fewer, leaving some dry, sunny weather for many.
“However, a band of rain and strong winds will reach the northwest overnight and this weather front moves south and east through Tuesday, petering out as it does so.
“Thursday is potentially the coldest day of the week with a frost to start for some. Gusty winds and heavy rain continue to move south and east across the country, clearing the Southeast of England by lunchtime.
“Wintry showers are expected mainly over the hills in the north again, but there could be some snow to low levels at times.”
- Joseph Gamp
What to expect from tomorrow's weather warnings
Frequent heavy snow showers are expected, along with very gusty winds and a chance of frequent lightning affecting some places.
Brits living in areas covered by the warning can expect:
- There is a small chance of longer journey times or cancellations as road, rail, air and ferry services are affected. There is also a chance some vehicles and passengers could become stranded.
- There is a slight chance that power cuts may occur, with the potential to affect other services, such as mobile phone coverage
- There is a slight chance that some rural communities could become cut off
- A small chance of injuries and danger to life from lightning strikes
- Where lightning strikes occur, there is a small chance that building/structures could be damaged
Tomorrow to feel 'much colder' says Met Office
Thursday is set to feel considerably chillier, says the Met Office.
It tweeted: "Feeling much colder tomorrow after a cold front sweeps through.
"Blustery winds will make it feel closer to freezing!"
Temperatures expected to drop
A Met Office spokesman has said that over the next few days: “Temperatures across Scotland and Northern Ireland are expected to drop sharply following a squally band of rain on Wednesday, with frequent heavy and blustery snow showers arriving from the Atlantic.
“The showers will be accompanied by strong, blustery winds, with gusts of 50-60 mph possible, and a small chance of 70 mph on coasts.
“Blizzard conditions are likely over higher ground.
“Snow showers are increasingly likely to turn back to rain and sleet at low levels later Thursday morning and early afternoon, although remaining as snow above 200-300m.”
- Joseph Gamp
Yellow weather warning for snow and lightning updated
The Met Office has updated a yellow weather warning for snow and lightning in Northern Ireland and Scotland.
The alert is now in place from 5pm today through to 8pm Thursday.
Check out a tweet from the Met Office with further details below.
- Joseph Gamp
Residents in flood-hit areas face anxious wait for river levels to peak
Residents in flooded areas are facing an anxious wait for river levels to peak.
In Bewdley, Worcestershire, fire and rescue crews were out checking properties and speaking to residents on Wednesday morning after flood defences were breached following heavy rainfall on Tuesday afternoon.
The River Severn is expected to peak in the town on Wednesday afternoon and a severe flood warning, meaning a danger to life, remains in place.
Meanwhile, the Met Office issued yellow warnings for wind and snow across parts of northern England, Scotland and Northern Ireland on Wednesday.
In Ironbridge, Shropshire, the River Severn peaked on Wednesday morning and levels began to fall but a severe flood warning remains in place amid fears the barriers could break.
A spokesman for Telford and Wrekin Council said: "Water levels peaked during the night at 6.6m but are now slowly retreating. Water levels are still high against the barriers, so the Wharfage remains closed to vehicles and pedestrians."
- Joseph Gamp
RAC: Lives were saved by drivers staying home during Eunice
Millions of drivers heeded warnings to stay off the roads when Storm Eunice hit, new figures show.
The RAC said "lives were saved" as the Department for Transport revealed that car traffic in Britain fell to 69% of pre-coronavirus pandemic levels on Friday February 18, down from 91% during the previous day.
Strong winds caused by Storm Eunice caused dangerous conditions on the roads, with three people killed in incidents involving fallen trees and other debris.
Several major road bridges were closed, including both crossings over the River Severn between England and Wales, and the Queen Elizabeth II bridge, which is part of the Dartford Crossing linking Essex and Kent.
RAC spokesman Simon Williams believes the reduction in traffic limited the number of fatalities.
He said: "These statistics show that lives were saved as millions of motorists heeded the warnings to only drive if absolutely essential.
"It seems like all the developments around working from home in the pandemic made a massive difference in an extreme weather event like Storm Eunice as many employees clearly were able to stay off the road and continue being productive away from their workplaces."
- Milica Cosic
UK weather outlook for Friday and Saturday
Early showers on Friday will soon clear. It will then be fine and dry with long spells of winter sunshine and just some patchy cloud cover.
Saturday will be mostly dry and sunny across England and Wales however cloud will build across Scotland and Northern Ireland bringing spots of rain and drizzle.
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