Storm Agnes latest: Met Office issues new weather warning for torrential rain

Amidst adverse weather conditions, the Cobh Ferry in County Cork, Ireland has been pictured continuing to transport passengers.

Strong winds were reported in County Cork at 9am, and both Met Eireann and the Met Office have warned of the possibility of disruption to travel.

In the Republic of Ireland a status orange wind warning is in place in several counties.

A status yellow warning for rain is also in place across large areas.

All ferry sailings to and from the Isle of Man have been cancelled following unexpected gales across the Irish Sea.

The Maxman sailings between Douglas and Heysham Port in Lancashire have been pulled, as have the Manannan’s return trip to Liverpool and crossings by the Ben-my-Chree.

Waves have been pictured crashing across Poolbeg, an artificial peninsula extending from Ringsend, Dublin, into Dublin Bay.

Storm Agnes, which is the first named storm of the season, is forecast to bring strong and disruptive winds until Thursday morning.

Both Met Eireann and the Met Office have warned of the possibility of disruption to travel, with a status orange wind warning in place in several counties across the Republic of Ireland.

Ofgem has issued a warning to customers over potential disruptions to electricity supply.

“Bad weather is on the way with yellow warnings in place for most of the UK especially the North”, the energy regulator warned on X.

“Save these emergency numbers on your phone in case of a disruption to your energy supply

“Powercut? Call 105

“Smell gas? Call 0800 111 999.”

As Storm Agnes hits the UK, weather warnings have been announced across the country with winds of 75mph expected this afternoon.

The Met Office has said that the first named storm of the season will “rapidly intensify”, with a danger to life warning issued by the forecaster from Wednesday until Thursday.

While initially a bright and dry morning, Storm Agnes is set to arrive from the west by the afternoon, bringing heavy rain and strong winds that could cause flooding and distruption to travel services.

Holly Evans reports:

Cars have been pictured driving through floodwaters, waves crashing onto promenades and roofs blown off buildings as Storm Agnes sweeps Ireland.

Both Met Eireann and the Met Office have warned of the possibility of disruption to travel, with a status orange wind warning in place in several counties.

A status yellow warning for rain is also in place across large areas.

Forecasters have warned the “worst conditions are still to come”, with Storm Agnes set to make landfall in the UK after battering the south of Ireland with gale force winds.

Agnes, the first named storm of the season, has triggered a series of Met Office yellow weather warnings for wind and rain, with forecasts of damaging winds and big stormy seas.

Gusts of up to 70mph had already been recorded in south-west Ireland, with the storm set to hit areas of northern England and Scotland later on Wednesday.

Met Office meteorologist Marco Petagna said: “This evening’s rush hour could be quite tricky” in some north and north-western areas of the UK, as it is expected to coincide with expected periods of strong wind and rain.

He added: “Some of the worst conditions are still to come. The rain warnings are out to cover through the evening and the wind warnings are into the overnight period.

“We are looking at high gusts developing.”

The storm is likely to cause “dangerous conditions” on the coasts around the UK and Ireland, according to The Royal National Lifeboat Institution (RNLI).

They advised staying a “safe distance” away from the water and cliff edges.

Humber Maritime Rescue Coordination Centre Commander Bev Allen said: “The first few storms of the autumn and winter are always a little frightening for us, as people are still in summer mode, the power of the waves can take them by surprise.

“We would encourage people to stay away from the water’s edge in stormy weather - it’s not worth risking your life for that selfie. Keep off groynes, piers, jetties and harbour walls. If you can feel the spray, you’re too close.”

On the weather from Thursday, Mr Petagna said: “The weather will stay unsettled for the next few days but we are not expecting it to be as impactful.”

Cork Airport has experienced some delays and cancellations amidst Storm Agnes, and a spokesperson from Belfast City Airport said disruption to schedules across the UK due to the weather is “likely.”

Meanwhile, Dublin Airport said it is operating normally, but had received a number of flights that had been diverted from Kerry Airport.

In a statement, Irish Ferries said disruption to schedules may be experienced due to adverse weather conditions over the coming days, with passengers advised to check schedules.

Fallen trees are being reported across the island, with the roof being blown off a building in Youghal, Co Cork.

Kerry County Council said it has crews dealing with fallen trees and branches at a number of locations.

As Storm Agnes sweeps the UK, the Met Office has released the latest satellite images of its movements.

“#StormAgnes continues to track northeast through this afternoon, bringing strong winds and heavy rain to northern and western parts of the UK”, it stated via X.