Storm Ashley – live: Flights cancelled and River Severn bursts banks

Storm Ashley

Storm Ashley is poised to hit the UK with winds reaching speeds of 80 mph.

Sign Up For Free Morning News Headlines

Subscribe To Our Free Morning Headlines Email

The Met Office has cautioned that the first storm of the season will bring winds reaching 80mph and heavy rain to certain areas of the UK, posing a risk of injuries and life-threatening situations.

Storm Ashley - Figure 1
Photo The Independent

Many flights at Belfast City Airport and Dublin Airport have been halted because of the storm. Additionally, several flights to Edinburgh, Glasgow, and Aberdeen have also been cancelled.

Floodwaters have inundated the town of Worcester in Worcestershire after the River Severn overflowed its banks.

The Met Office has released two amber weather alerts for strong winds impacting western Scotland and sections of Northern Ireland. Additionally, there is a milder yellow warning in place for all of Scotland and Northern Ireland, along with certain areas of north-west England and Wales.

The Environment Agency's website indicates that there are currently 39 active flood warnings in place, signaling anticipated flooding, alongside 97 flood alerts, which suggest that flooding could potentially occur.

Experts have warned to prepare for possible power outages, damage to structures, and disruptions for travelers using roads, trains, airplanes, and ferries, which may also include road and bridge closures.

Galway Gears Up For Storm Ashley

Jabed Ahmed, October 20, 2024, 6:26 PM

Watch: Storm Ashley's 80mph Winds Hit Heathrow

Watch: Planes Land At Heathrow Amid 80mph Winds

This morning (20 October), planes at Heathrow Airport were observed being pushed around by the strong 80mph winds of Storm Ashley. Big Jet TV captured several flights from airlines like British Airways and Virgin Atlantic as they approached the runway, sometimes at odd angles, before battling to land amid the gusty conditions. According to the Met Office, Storm Ashley poses a significant risk of injuries and can be life-threatening, prompting the issuance of weather warnings throughout the UK. This marks the first named storm of the year.

Storm Ashley - Figure 2
Photo The Independent

Jabed Ahmed, October 20, 2024, 6:01 PM

Network Rail Urges Tying Down Garden Furniture

Jabed Ahmed 20th October 2024, 5:26 PM

Flights Cancelled In Belfast And Dublin Today

Numerous flights have been canceled at both Belfast City Airport and Dublin Airport as a result of Storm Ashley.

In a post on X, Dublin Airport announced: "Due to weather conditions, a few airlines have canceled some flights this morning. We recommend that passengers looking for updates on their specific flights get in touch with their airline directly."

Northern Ireland's Department for Infrastructure announced that they are placing temporary flood barriers along the River Lagan in high-risk zones, including Lockview Road and Cutters Wharf in south Belfast.

Jabed Ahmed, October 20, 2024, at 4:46 PM

SEPA Releases Update After 36 Flood Alerts In Scotland

Catherine Evans, the Flood Duty Manager at SEPA, stated: “This evening and into tomorrow morning, Scotland will feel the effects of Storm Ashley. Communities along the west coast and the islands will face coastal flooding as high water levels, strong winds, and big waves come together.”

Although the danger is greatest during high tide, we want to remind everyone to be cautious whenever you're near the coast, regardless of the time. Keep a safe distance from waves and water. Exercise caution when navigating exposed coastal regions. Avoid walking or driving through floodwaters, as there could be unseen dangers.

Storm Ashley - Figure 3
Photo The Independent

Flood alerts and warnings have been issued. We will keep collaborating with the Met Office to keep an eye on the situation around the clock and assess regional flood alerts and local warnings as needed. To stay informed, please check our website at beta.sepa.scot/flooding.

“We recommend that individuals register for Floodline to get free notifications about flooding in their area or places they are visiting, sent straight to their phones. Additionally, you can stay informed by checking our flood updates for the most current information, as well as looking at the three-day Scottish Flood Forecast to anticipate upcoming conditions.”

Sure! Here's a rewritten version of the given blog section: Jabed Ahmed, October 20, 2024, at 4:01 PM.

Glasgow Bridge Shut Down Due To Storm Ashley

The Govan-Partick footbridge in Glasgow will be closed today because of expected high winds.

The Riverside Museum alerted visitors about the closure through a message on Facebook.

The announcement says: “If you're taking the Subway today, get off at Partick station. The Govan-Partick Bridge will be closed all day because of strong winds.”

Jabed Ahmed, October 20, 2024, 3:01 PM

The Enchanted Forest in Pitlochry, Perthshire, is a family-friendly autumn attraction known for its stunning light displays throughout the woods. It announced on Sunday that the event has been cancelled, emphasizing that the safety of both visitors and staff is the top priority.

Storm Ashley - Figure 4
Photo The Independent

The organizers issued a statement saying, "Our operations team visited the location this morning to evaluate the conditions due to Storm Ashley and the weather alerts. Prioritizing public safety, they have determined that it is not safe for the event to take place tonight."

Jabed Ahmed, October 20, 2024, at 2:01 PM.

"Storm Ashley: Weather Warnings Mapped Out"

Jabed Ahmed, October 20, 2024, at 1:28 PM.

Great South Run Canceled: What You Should Know

The Great South Run scheduled for Sunday has been called off due to anticipated strong winds and rain from the storm.

Great Run, the organizer of the yearly 10-mile race in Portsmouth, Hampshire, announced that the weather remained unsuitable for them to hold the event safely.

The organizers mentioned that the predicted wind gusts could jeopardize the setup for the event, particularly the medical services. They also highlighted safety risks due to elevated tide levels, areas along the coastline where participants might be exposed, and possible debris.

Jabed Ahmed, October 20, 2024, 12:58 PM

What Exactly Is A Weather Bomb?

Weather forecasters have indicated that Storm Ashley will experience a swift decrease in pressure as it approaches from the Atlantic on Saturday night. This occurrence is referred to as a "weather bomb."

Storm Ashley - Figure 5
Photo The Independent

A "weather bomb" is a non-official term used to describe a low-pressure system that experiences a drop of 24 millibars in its central pressure over the course of 24 hours. This phenomenon is referred to as explosive cyclogenesis, as noted by the Met Office.

The swift movement of air caused by the jet stream high in the atmosphere can pull air away from a column, leading to a decrease in weight and a drop in pressure at sea level.

This process draws in air from the nearby areas, causing the circulation to spin more quickly and more intensely.

This will lead to strong winds that align with elevated spring tides, increasing the chances of large waves and water spilling over the coast.

Jabed Ahmed on October 20, 2024, at 12:24 PM.

Read more
Similar news
This week's most popular news