- Met Office has issued yellow warnings of strong gales and torrential downpours
Britain is set to face travel disruption tomorrow as Storm Agnes is expected to batter the country with heavy rain and up to 80mph winds.
The Met Office has issued yellow warnings of strong gales and torrential downpours which it says are likely to cause delays or cancellations across rail, bus, air and ferry services across the UK.
The country’s first storm of the season could bring 80mph winds, 2.4in (60mm) of rain and a ‘danger to life’ weather warning as well as potential floods.
The Met warned that there is also a ‘small chance’ of injuries and danger to life from flying debris and a chance of some damage to buildings, with tiles blown from roofs and potential power cuts.
It has issued a yellow wind warning from 10am on Wednesday until 7am on Thursday for the whole country apart from southern England and northern Scotland. There is also a yellow rain warning in place from 9pm on Wednesday to 6am on Thursday in southern Scotland.
Forecasters have warned of ‘significantly disruptive’ wind gusts of 50 to 60mph inland and 65 to 80mph on coasts, and said some roads and bridges could close. Power cuts are also possible while railways, roads and airports could face disruption.
Birmingham Airport has issued advice to travellers ahead of tomorrow’s storm.
A spokesperson for the airport told BirminghamLive: ‘We are prepared for these weather conditions and will be operating in line with our usual extreme weather procedures.’
Agnes the result of a tropical storm across the east coast of the US causing a jet stream to rumble across the Atlantic.
The storm could bring a fortnight’s worth of rain in nine hours and gusts of up to 80mph to parts of Scotland.
Met Office meteorologist Dan Stroud said: ‘It’s going to be wet everywhere in Scotland but there will be more significant rain over higher ground in the south west and just north of the Central Belt.
‘People need to be wary and plan their trips and leave extra time.’
It comes just days after Hurricane Nigel brought torrential rain across the country, causing travel mayhem and flooding in some areas.
Nick Powell, AA patrol of the year, warned: ‘Many places across the UK are likely to see strong winds this week and it’s very likely trees and debris will be littering the roads.
‘Drivers should be very cautious, especially in rural or woody areas. If you see twigs or small branches on the road it could be a sign that a tree has fallen just around the bend, so pay extra attention to the path up ahead.
‘As always in windy weather, leave plenty of space behind other vehicles and adjust your speed to suit the conditions, especially when crossing bridges or passing high-sided vehicles.
‘Those on two wheels are especially vulnerable tostrong winds, so you should pass these with care.
‘There may be delays so make sure you bring essentials with you on your journey, even if it is only short, such as warm layers, food and drink and a fully charged mobile phone.
‘Downloading the free what3words app will allow users to accurately report the location of fallen trees or other items blocking the road.
Met Office chief meteorologist Steve Ramsdale said: ‘While the precise track and depth of Storm Agnes is still being determined, there’s a high likelihood of wind gusts around 50 to 60mph for some inland areas.
‘Exposed coastal areas could see gusts of 65 to 75 mph with a small chance of a few places seeing around 80mph.
‘As well as some very strong winds for many, Storm Agnes will also bring some heavy rain, with the highest totals more likely in Scotland, northern England, Wales and Northern Ireland. Around 60mm of rain is possible in a few places over high ground in Scotland.’
The Met Office warning stated that there is a ‘small chance of injuries and danger to life from flying debris’.
There is also a ‘slight chance of some damage to buildings, such as tiles blown from roofs’.
It added: ‘There is a slight chance that power cuts may occur, with the potential to affect other services, such as mobile phone coverage
‘Longer journey times are likely, or cancellations as road, rail, air and ferry services are affected. Some roads and bridges are likely to close.
‘There is a small chance that injuries and danger to life could occur from large waves and beach material being thrown onto sea fronts, coastal roads and properties; with a chance of some minor flooding of coastal roads.’
The storm was officially named ‘Agnes’ by the Met Office at 11am on Sunday.
Earlier, two senior BBC forecasters have speculated that the naming could happen.
Simon King, lead BBC weather presenter and meteorologist on Radio 5 Live and Radio 4’s Today programme, said on X: ‘Keep your eye on the forecast for Wednesday this week.
‘This has got our first named storm of the season – Agnes – written all over it. Intensity, timings and warnings still to be firmed up.’
BBC senior weather presenter Barra Best also said: ‘Prepare for some very stormy weather reaching Ireland and the UK on Wednesday. Likely disruption and damage. This will possibly be named as Storm Agnes.’
Met Office meteorologist Craig Snell said: ‘We are keeping a very close eye on things.
‘We’ve got a jet stream across the Atlantic and that’s the breeding ground for some potentially deep areas of low pressure.
‘Severe gales are expected, with potential impacts from wind and rain across many parts of the UK.
‘The main advice at the moment is to keep a very close eye on the forecast.’
RAC spokesman Rod Dennis told MailOnline: ‘The Met Office’s latest forecast suggests drivers will feel some short but sharp effects of Storm Agnes later on Wednesday and into Thursday.
‘Gusty winds are likely to be the biggest feature, so avoiding exposed coastal and upland routes is a good idea for anyone less confident driving in these sorts of conditions.
‘Driving more slowly with both hands on the steering wheel, and taking particular care when overtaking high-sided vehicles to avoid being buffeted, is a must.
‘Anyone towing or carrying loads on the roof should also ensure they’re properly secured before setting out.’