Storm Ashley: Danger to life ‘likely’ as 80mph winds and heavy rain forecast
Gusts of up to 80mph and heavy rain could batter parts of the UK when Storm Ashley arrives on Sunday, with the Met Office warning injuries and danger to life are "likely".
Drivers in Scotland have been advised to avoid unnecessary travel where possible because of weather-related safety concerns.
An amber weather warning has been issued for the north-west of Scotland on Sunday, the Met Office said.
There is also a yellow warning for the entirety of Scotland and Northern Ireland, and parts of north-west England and Wales.
The amber warning will be in force from 9am on Sunday until midnight, and the yellow between 3am and midnight.
Great Run, which organises the annual 10-mile race, said weather conditions had not improved to a point where they could “safely stage” the event.
Great Run said the forecasted winds could compromise “event infrastructure, including our medical facilities” and that high tide levels, exposure along the seafront sections of the route and “potential debris” posed safety concerns.
The Met Office has warned that injuries and danger to life are likely from large waves and beach material being thrown onto coastal roads, sea fronts and properties.
There is “a good chance” of power cuts in that area which could affect mobile phone coverage and buildings will probably be damaged, such as by tiles blowing off roofs.
Disruption or cancellations to road, rail, air and ferry services are likely, as well as road and bridge closures.
Despite the wet and windy weather, temperatures are expected to climb to highs of 17C in southern England on Sunday, Met Office meteorologist Dan Stroud said.
He continued: “The strongest winds are likely to come through during the course of tomorrow afternoon.
“It is going to be quite a bright afternoon but it’s going to be very windy and gusty out there, especially in the north of the country so don’t be sort of lulled into a false sense of security.”
He added that the “very strong, severe gales” on Sunday coincide with high spring tides, which could also result in “very large waves”.
Outside of the warning zones, the rest of the UK, including inland areas, will still feel the impact of Storm Ashley with “very blustery” conditions and rain moving across the south and east of England, he added.
The Met Office has advised people in affected areas to check and plan how to secure loose items outside their properties, prepare for potential power cuts by considering gathering torches and batteries and staying up to date with the forecast.
As of Saturday evening, the Environment Agency’s website listed 37 active flood warnings, meaning flooding is expected, and 127 flood alerts, meaning flooding is possible.
The warnings include multiple areas of the River Severn, the south Cornwall coast and the Wye Estuary.
Strong, gale force winds are due to continue on Sunday night, through to Monday morning meaning “fallen debris and trees” could impact commuters at the start of the week, Mr Stroud added.
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