Massive storms to merge and batter UK

A potentially unprecedented scenario is unfolding in the North Atlantic Ocean, as a bomb cyclone batters Iceland with hurricane-force winds and blizzard conditions, just as another bomb cyclone, known as Storm Dennis, rapidly intensifies behind it.

Ultimately, the two storms will enter into a complex dance around each other before combining into one atmospheric behemoth, with a minimum central air pressure that could rank among the top three most intense storms ever observed in the stormy North Atlantic Basin.

The first bomb cyclone, which has a minimum central air pressure roughly equivalent to a Category 4 hurricane, has been slamming Iceland with blizzard conditions and heavy rain. Winds have been clocked at about 112kmh in the capital, Reykjavik, with gusts higher than 195kmh in some locations.

This storm, and the one to follow it that are combining to form Storm Dennis, will turn the entire North Atlantic into a wave machine, with powerful waves reaching western Europe.

Energised by an unusually powerful jet stream, the weather systems are both developing rapidly and reaching extraordinary intensities in a region already known for strong winter storms.

Amber weather warnings are in effect this weekend in Britain. Winds up to 112kmh are forecast in Northern Ireland, Scotland, and parts of northern England and north Wales. In addition, heavy rains could lead to flooding in the wake of deadly Storm Ciara this past week.

The winter’s North Atlantic storms have also affected North America. Last month, Newfoundland and Labrador in Canada were buried by one of their worst blizzards on record.