Forecasters predict a significant shift in weather patterns this weekend with the Met Office issuing amber warnings for strong winds and rain.
This latest storm, named Storm Isha, is the ninth storm of the season and is poised to usher in intense rainfall and strong winds following the recent occurrences of ice and snow.
The peak of strong winds is projected for Sunday night and into Monday morning, marked by the issuance of two amber warnings.
The Met Office anticipates gusts reaching up to 80 mph (129 km/h) within the areas covered by amber warnings, cautioning against potential injuries and life-threatening situations due to the likelihood of large waves and coastal debris impacting roads, sea fronts, and structures.
The initial warning encompasses a substantial portion of southern Scotland, Northern Ireland, northern England, west Wales, and south-west England, effective from 18:00 on Sunday to 09:00 on Monday.
Gusts ranging from 50-60 mph, with coastal areas potentially experiencing 70 mph winds, are expected during this period, prompting a yellow warning from 12:00 on Sunday to 12:00 on Monday. Localised impacts on travel and infrastructure across the UK are anticipated.
Multiple yellow warnings for rain are also in effect for sections of Wales, Scotland, and northern England from Sunday to early Monday, with anticipated rainfall ranging from 20-50mm and the possibility of 80-100mm over elevated terrain.
The Met Office forewarns that heavy rain may lead to disruptions, causing flooding and potentially affecting homes and businesses in parts of Wales and northern England.
While winds are anticipated to gradually subside on Monday, low pressure systems will usher in additional wet and windy weather on Tuesday morning, spreading eastward across the UK. Looking further into the week, indications suggest a settling of conditions in the south, with any wet and windy weather predominantly confined to the north-western regions of the UK.
