Storm Ashley latest: Rail and flight delays continue due to 80mph winds as UK put on high alert for flooding
Met Office weather warning also remains in force on Monday morning after Scotland pummelled with 111mph gusts
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Storm Ashley has battered parts of the country with hurricane-force winds and torrential rain as more flights and trains are cancelled.
As the storm passed over the Scottish Highlands on Sunday night, average wind speeds hit 85mph with gusts of at least 111mph provisionally recorded at the summit of Cairn Gorm.
Speed restrictions are in place on rail lines across Scotland due to the high winds, while flights continued to be impacted at Aberdeen Airport this morning. At least four have been cancelled, including one bound for London Heathrow Airport.
In England, National Rail said Northern services between Bolton and Blackburn were being blocked by a tree on the line this morning.
The Environment Agency had 45 flood warnings, where flooding is expected, in place across England on Monday, including along the south Cornwall coast and large parts of the River Severn, after the river burst its banks, submerging the town of Worcester, the previous day.
A further 96 places were kept on high alert overnight with possible flooding – while, in Scotland, the Scottish Environment Flood Agency had 47 flood warnings in place, with eight issued by Natural Resources Wales.
Ryanair warns of flight disruptions due to severe weather conditions
Ryanair has warned passengers of the flight disruptions due to weather conditions brought about by Storm Ashley.
In a statement on their website, the Irish airline said: “Affected passengers will be notified and any passengers travelling to/from Ireland on Sun 20 Oct should check their Ryanair app for the latest updates on their flight.
“We regret any inconvenience caused to passengers by these weather conditions, which are outside of Ryanair’s control and affect all airlines operating to/from Ireland Sun 20 Oct.
“Please be advised that due to Storm Ashley, we are monitoring potential delays to flights from/to the United Kingdom.”
Travellers have also been cautioned to check weather conditions and alerts before travel.
Full report: Weather warnings in place as Storm Ashley hits
Weather warnings in place as Storm Ashley hits
Heavy rain and winds of up to 80mph are predicted in parts of the UK during the first named storm of the season.
Watch: Storm Ashley set to batter UK with 80mph winds
Police Scotland issue warning to motorists
Police Scotland have advised motorists to “plan ahead and avoid unnecessary travel where possible” ahead of the “strong likelihood” of disruption on roads.
Chief Superintendent Hilary Sloan, Police Scotland’s head of road policing, said: “Make sure your vehicle has sufficient fuel and is completely roadworthy, with tyre pressure and tread meeting legal requirements.
“Ensure your mobile phone is fully charged in the event you need to call for assistance and if it is likely you may be within your vehicle for long periods of time, take additional clothing and water with you.”
Four flood warnings and six flood alerts removed on Sunday morning
The Environment Agency has removed six flood warnings and four flood alerts on Sunday morning.
A flood warning means flooding is epected while a flood alert means it is possible. There are now 37 flood warnings and 135 flood alerts remaining.
The flood warnings removed are:
- North Bank of the Humber estuary in the east of Hull
- North Sea coast at Easington and Kilnsea
- North Sea coast at Hornsea
The flood alerts removed are:
- Humber estuary from Hessle Haven to Faxfleet
- Humber estuary from Lords Clough to Hessle Haven
- Humber estuary from Spurn Point to Winestead Outfall
- North Sea coast at Skipsea, Hornsea and Mappleton
- North Sea coast at Withernsea, Easington and Kilnsea
- North Sea coast from Staithes to Whitby including tidal River Esk
- River Teme at Stanford Bridge (flood warning removed but flood alert remains in wider area)
Storm Ashley mapped: Where and when are ‘danger to life’ weather warnings in force across UK?
The Met Office has issued “danger to life” weather warnings as parts of the UK brace for Storm Ashley to bring rain and winds of up to 80mph this weekend.
The first named storm of the season will initially hit Ireland on Sunday morning, where warnings for strong winds are in force across seven counties, including Galway, Mayo, Kerry and Donegal.
It will then track northeastwards and reach the UK early on Sunday morning, according to the Met Office, bringing with it likely power cuts, damage to buildings and travel disruption. Dozens of flood warnings are also in place.
Andy Gregory reports:
Storm Ashley mapped: Where are weather warnings in force across the UK?
Met Office is warning of possible damage to homes, power cuts and disruption to travel by air, road, rail and ferry
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