Schools shut and 'danger to life' warnings in place as Storm Ciarán hits UK and Channel Islands
Amber warnings have been issued for wind and rain on Thursday, with 'danger to life' yellow warnings in place on Wednesday
Schools are shut and a major incident has been declared as Storm Ciarán hits the UK and Channel Islands bringing gusts of up to 85mph.
Amber warnings are in place for the entire south coast of England and parts of Pembrokeshire on Thursday, with further yellow rain warnings.
People in the Channel Islands have been advised to stay at home and not to travel unless vital on Thursday, with a rare red wind warning covering Jersey, where a "major incident" has been declared by the council.
The storm is expected to peak between 4am-9am on Thursday, with gusts reaching up to a "violent storm force 11" on the Beaufort wind speed scale.
More than 100 schools across the south coast of England are closed due to safety fears over the bad weather.
The mobile barriers at Exeter, which are part of the flood defence scheme, are being deployed and demountable and temporary barriers are already in place or ready to be installed along the River Severn.
Storm Ciarán has already caused severe flooding in Northern Ireland, where a yellow rain warning from the Met Office was in place until Wednesday.
The Northern Ireland Fire and Rescue Service rescued five people who had entered water, 31 people from vehicles in water and 12 people from flooded properties among the 75 incidents they attended.
What are the warnings?
The Environment Agency had issued 24 flood warnings for England by 11am on Wednesday morning, and 116 flood alerts.
They cover parts of southwest, central and eastern Scotland from 3am to 3pm, and in southern parts of England and Wales from 6pm on Wednesday until the end of Thursday.
A further yellow warning for rain and wind has been put out across the south east coast from 5am to 9am on Wednesday.
Another yellow warning for wind across southern England and parts of South Wales from 6pm on Wednesday and throughout Thursday.
An amber warning for wind is in place from 3am to 1pm in Cornwall and Devon, then across Hampshire and the Kent coastline between 6am and 5pm.
People are being urged by the Environment Agency to take "extreme care" for “possible significant flooding” across parts of England from Wednesday to Friday, with some significant coastal impacts also possible but not expected on Thursday.
What's the forecast?
Across the south coast, from Dorset eastwards winds are expected to reach 70 to 80 mph with the potential for 85mph and large waves.
The warning says wind could disrupt travel, power lines and cause structural damage with flying debris causing a threat to life.
Elsewhere in southern England and southwest Wales, gusts could reach 50 to 60mph with 60 to 70mph on the coasts.
ITV News' Weather Presenter Lucy Verasamy explains what to expect from Storm Ciarán
The storm comes after the UK had over a third more rain than average, with a total of 171.5mm during the month, in what was provisionally the joint-sixth wettest October on record.
Met Office deputy chief meteorologist Dan Suri said a cold front would bring bursts of heavy rain and coastal gusts of 60 to 70mph along the south coast on Wednesday.
“Wind and rain warnings associated with Storm Ciarán are in force from Wednesday night onwards into Friday," he said.
“As well as strong winds, this deep low pressure system will bring heavy rain to many parts of the UK.
“Much of southern England and south Wales, as well as parts of north Wales, northeast England, southeast Scotland and perhaps the east of Northern Ireland look to see the wettest conditions between Wednesday evening and Friday morning.”
Mr Suri said 20 to 25mm of rain may fall in many places with 40 to 60mm possible over higher ground.
“Some parts of south Wales and southwest England may see 80mm of rain,” he added. “This rain will fall on already saturated ground, bringing the risk of flooding.”
The weather is not showing much sign of a rapid improvement once Storm Ciaran does pass.
Met Office deputy chief meteorologist Steven Keates said: “Once Storm Ciaran has passed, the weather over the weekend continues to look unsettled for many, with more showers and rain at times.
“Warnings will continue to be updated over the coming days, so it is important to stay up to date with the Met Office forecast and warnings in your area.”
Want a quick and expert briefing on the biggest news stories? Listen to our latest podcasts to find out What You Need To Know...