Storm Ashley wreaks havoc across the UK with heavy rains and fierce winds reaching up to 80mph, prompting the Met Office to issue severe weather warnings.
The Met Office forewarns that the first named storm of the season is “likely” to pose a threat to life due to predicted extreme weather conditions.
As of 3am, a yellow wind warning is in effect for all of Scotland and Northern Ireland, as well as parts of north-west England and Wales, with it scheduled to last until midnight on Sunday.
Heightened risks of injuries and threats to life from large waves and beach material are expected in north-west Scotland, where an amber warning has been established from 9am until midnight.
Ferry operations have taken a hit, with CalMac cancelling most of its west coast sailings today, leaving islands such as Arran, Bute, Lewis, and Harris isolated due to the treacherous sea conditions.
In addition, P&O Ferries announced on Friday the cancellation of their Sunday services between Larne and Cairnryan due to anticipated violent sea conditions.
Meteorologist Dan Stroud of the Met Office highlights concerns for “very strong, severe gales” paired with high spring tides potentially causing “very large waves”.
A further yellow wind warning will persist over northern Scotland into early Monday morning, remaining in place from midnight until 9am.
The Met Office has issued a yellow warning for the south-west of England and South Wales until midday on Sunday, flagging potential travel disruptions due to flooding and possible power supply interruptions.
Gale force winds are expected to persist into Monday morning, according to Mr Stroud, who cautioned that “fallen debris and trees” could pose problems for early-week commuters.
Scottish road users have been urged to avoid non-essential journeys, while the annual Great South Run in Portsmouth, Hampshire, has been called off over weather-related safety worries.
The Enchanted Forest event in Pitlochry, Perthshire, a popular family-oriented light show set in the woods, has also been cancelled for Sunday with attendee and staff safety being “of the utmost importance”.
Police Scotland have recommended that drivers “plan ahead and avoid unnecessary travel where possible” in anticipation of likely road disruptions, and Transport Scotland has alerted the public to expect delays in public transport, including ferry services.
Chief Superintendent Hilary Sloan of Police Scotland’s road policing unit advised: “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.”
ScotRail has announced that “precautionary speed restrictions” will be put in place from 4pm on Sunday until Monday morning across services in the west and north Highlands, Ayrshire, and Stranraer, as well as between Perth and Inverness starting from 6pm.
A dramatic clip was circulated by Network Rail Scotland on Sunday afternoon, showing ocean waves surging over the sea wall at Saltcoats, Ayrshire. This has affected the adjacent rail line, rendering it too hazardous for train travel until the weather improves.
Therefore, trains heading from Glasgow Central to Largs and Ardrossan Harbour will terminate early at Kilwinning and head back.
The firm highlighted that Monday morning railway operations might see interference from trees and various debris on the lines, urging passengers to verify their service status ahead of commuting.
Storm-force winds are set to howl through the North West as the Met Office has labelled Sunday a universally blustery day.
Despite the rain marching eastwards, bouts of sunshine are anticipated, only to be followed by robust gusts shifting east in the afternoon hours.
Meteorologist Ellie Glaisyer cautioned: “Parts of western Scotland could see gusts of 70-80mph during the afternoon. It will turn drier and brighter across much of England and Wales with some sunny spells during the afternoon.”
The UK is bracing for a week of wild weather, with winds expected to ease on Monday but rain moving into the South East. The north, however, is set to remain blustery for much of the week.
According to the Environment Agency’s website, there were 41 active flood warnings in place on Sunday morning, indicating that flooding is expected, and 132 flood alerts, suggesting that flooding is possible.
These warnings include multiple areas of the River Severn, the south Cornwall coast and the Wye Estuary.
Natural Resources Wales has also issued three flood warnings and 13 flood alerts, while the Scottish Environment Protection Agency has put out 16 flood warnings along with 17 alerts.
In addition, the Scottish Environmental Protection Agency (Sepa) has issued 22 flood warnings across Scotland, along with 17 flood alerts, covering large parts of the country.
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