4in of rain on way as 80mph storm races in

LIVES are at risk from an 80mph storm which will bring up to 4in of rain in 24 hours as it descends on Britain today, forecasters are warning.

Drivers have been urged to take extra care during Storm Ciara’s high winds and rail passengers warned to ‘only travel if necessary’.

Flooding is also expected as the storm – likely to be the most severe since 2013 – will bring more than a month’s worth of rain over the weekend.

The first of the strong winds are expected this afternoon in northern and western regions and will spread across the whole country tomorrow.

The wettest areas will be in the North where up to 4in of rain is possible throughout tomorrow – more than the monthly February average of 3.8in.

Storm Ciara, the third named storm of the season, is set to cause travel disruption, flooding and property damage. Forecasters have also warned of ‘injury and danger to life’ from flying debris. Oli Claydon from the Met Office said: ‘There is potential for damage to buildings and a major issue will be with transport.’

Rail bosses fear there will be damage to overhead power lines and debris blown on to tracks. Most train companies are running limited services and some have cancelled all trains completely.

Last night, East Coast Main Line operator LNER said in a message to passengers: ‘We are advising you not to travel.’ Meanwhile Grand Central, which also uses the East Coast line, said it is cancelling all services tomorrow.

And Highways England’s Richard Leonard urged motorists to avoid travelling during high winds. He added: ‘If you do travel, take extra care allowing more time for your journey.’

The aftermath of the storm is likely to see the weather turn much colder, with the possibility of wintry showers in northern England and North Wales on Monday and Tuesday.