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UK weather forecast: Storm Erik brings 70mph winds and flooding as it passes Britain

More unsettled weather is on the way

Toyin Owoseje
Saturday 09 February 2019 06:23 EST
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UK weather: The latest Met Office forecast

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The UK is bracing for 70mph winds and flooding in some parts as Storm Erik batters the country for the second day.

Yellow weather warnings were issued on Friday after weather conditions caused power shortages and brought travel chaos.

Gale force winds blew a roof off a building in West Hull and a man died after strong gusts blew a tree onto his car in Devon.

According to the Met Office, the storm will cause more unsettled weather before pulling away from Norway over the next 24/48 hours.

Forecaster Steven Keates said: “Wide areas of the country will be affected, particularly across northern England, Northern Ireland, southern Scotland and northern Wales. Yellow weather warnings have been issued.”

As winds ease off later on Saturday, some hill snow is forecast in central and southern parts of England and into Wales.

However, gusts of winds of up to 50mph are still expected in Northern Ireland and there is the risk of the odd shower in London on Saturday night with some overnight frost.

“Although Storm Erik would have cleared by Sunday, there will be thicker cloud and we expect outbreaks of rain," Mr Keates said.

Looking ahead to next week, there is an improving picture in the south.

The meteorologist said: “There will be a significant improvement in the weather thanks to the high pressure from the south. We can expect dryer and more settled weather with some rain and wind at times.”

By Wednesday it will feel relatively mild with temperatures climbing above average for this time of year.

“We can expect to see 12-13C in parts of the south, which will feel warm in the sunshine during the day.”

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The country can expect 6-7C in the southeast and across the board.

However, he warned not to “put the winter woollies away just yet” because the strong winds could be returning by the end of the month.

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