UK weather: Five days of warnings begin as Storm Dennis approaches
Written by News on 13/02/2020
The Met Office has issued weather warnings for the next five days as Storm Dennis arrives in the UK.
Forecasters are warning that Saturday is expected to be the most hazardous day, with yellow warnings for wind and rain covering large swathes of the country.
Dennis, the fourth named storm of the year, is going to push severe gales and heavy rain eastwards.
Today, a rain warning is in place for Northern Ireland until 8am, while a snow warning is in force for the North West of England until 11am.
There is a risk of blizzards over high ground in southern Scotland during the morning but these will clear in the afternoon.
The rest of the country could see some heavy showers with some hail and thunder.
On Friday, there is a yellow warning for rain and snowmelt across southern Scotland, along with frost and fog expected, especially in the north.
Three warnings of wind and rain cover the whole of England, Wales and southern Scotland for most of Saturday.
And on Sunday, a yellow warning for wind covers the UK and Northern Ireland – while a yellow warning for rain hangs over much of the North West, Wales, the South West, London and the South East.
Met Office meteorologist Alex Burkill said: “Whilst it’s going to be very windy, they do look like they will be a touch down to what we saw with Storm Ciara.”
Storm Ciara’s winds reached 97mph when it battered the UK last week, but Mr Burkill said gusts from Storm Dennis will hit 60mph to 70mph in exposed spots.
He added: “The unsettled weather won’t subside massively any time soon.”
The Met Office has warned of possible travel delays, damage to buildings, power cuts and large waves on coastal routes and seafronts.
Storm Dennis could bring spells of heavy rain and possible flooding which could see some communities cut off.
As of 5am today, there are 39 flood warnings across England – meaning flooding is expected and immediate action is required.
There are 133 flood alerts, and residents in these areas are being told to “be prepared” as flooding is possible.
(c) Sky News 2020: UK weather: Five days of warnings begin as Storm Dennis approaches
