Great South Run cancelled due to weather alert as Storm Ashley moves in

The Great South Run has been called off because of predictions of "strong winds and rain," as Storm Ashley is likely to create turbulent weather across various regions in the UK.

Over 20,000 participants were anticipated to join the event in Portsmouth on Sunday.

The organizers expressed their regrets but mentioned that they were unsure if the 10-mile race could be conducted safely.

Storm Ashley, the first storm of the season to receive a name, has been referred to as a "weather bomb." According to the Met Office, strong winds are expected to affect areas all over the country on Sunday.

Some regions in Scotland might experience winds of up to 80mph, while the North West could face gusts between 50 and 60mph.

The race organizers mentioned that the wind might "affect our event setup, including the medical services we have in place."

"Due to the high tide, possible debris, and the vulnerability of the waterfront area, we cannot ensure that the event will be safely conducted," the statement explained.

They stated that the choice was not made hastily and was the result of discussions with the Met Office, health and safety teams, as well as local officials.

"We understand how frustrating this situation is, and we appreciate your understanding regarding the reasoning behind this choice," the statement continued.

Participants will have the option to transfer their registration to next year's event or request a refund.

An amber wind alert has been announced for western Scotland, starting at 9 AM on Sunday and lasting until midnight, with the most severe weather expected in the afternoon.

According to the Met Office, there's a chance of buildings being harmed, travel plans being interrupted, and power outages occurring.

Check out the Sky News weather update for your location.

It also cautions about possible "injuries and threats to life" from waves and floating debris in coastal regions, as the winds are expected to align with high tide.

A less critical yellow alert is in effect from 3 AM on Sunday until midnight covering a larger region, which includes parts of western Wales, all of Northern Ireland, the whole of Scotland, and Cumbria.

Winds in those regions are expected to blow at speeds of 50 to 60 mph inland, while exposed coastal areas and hills might experience gusts of 60 to 70 mph.

An additional yellow warning has been issued for northern Scotland and the Hebrides, which will be in effect from midnight until 9 AM on Monday.

Sky News weather expert Kirsty McCabe mentioned that Storm Ashley was predicted to grow significantly stronger on Saturday night.

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She mentioned that it would engage with a powerful jet stream and experience rapid cyclogenesis, which occurs when the central pressure decreases by at least 24 millibars within a 24-hour period. This phenomenon is also known as a "weather bomb."

"McCabe noted that although England and Wales will see some rainy and blustery conditions, the most severe weather will occur in the northern and western regions."