Hurricane Ophelia: Wales on alert as 80mph gales are forecast
STRONG winds of up to 80mph could cause power cuts and travel disruption as the tail of Hurricane Ophelia hits parts of Wales today.
The Met Office has issued a severe weather warning for winds covering north, south and west Wales, southwest and northern England and Scotland, which advises the public to “be aware” of potential damage to buildings and flying debris.
According to the chief forecaster’s assessment, “very strong winds” are likely to affect most western parts of the UK. The warning will last until 11.55pm today. People are being warned to expect disruption on the roads, rail, air and ferry services, with longer journey times and cancellations possible.
Arriva Trains Wales announced there would be disruption due to the weather conditions throughout
Wales. For safety reasons, trains will run at reduced speed on many routes from midday onwards, which will cause trains to be delayed and altered at short notice.
Forecasters say power cuts may occur and that there is the potential for the strong winds to affect other services, such as mobile phone coverage.
The Met Office also advises of some potential damage to buildings, such as tiles blown from roofs, which could lead to injuries from flying debris.
Coastal routes, sea fronts and coastal communities could be affected by spray and large waves.
The Met Office said: “Injuries could occur from beach material being thrown on to sea fronts.”
Southerly winds are likely to be between 55mph and 65mph across much of the warning area, with the potential for gusts of 80mph in coastal areas.
The warning covers Bridgend, Caerphilly, Cardiff, Carmarthenshire, Ceredigion, Conwy, Denbighshire and Flintshire.
Gwynedd, Isle of Anglesey, Merthyr Tydfil, Neath Port Talbot, Pembrokeshire, Powys, Rhondda Cynon Taff, Swansea, Vale of Glamorgan and Wrexham will also be affected.
Forecasters say there will be a breezy start to the morning, with winds strengthening through the day.
Gales are expected across most of the country, with the most “severe” in the west. Rain is also possible in the afternoon.
Cardiff can expect sunny intervals and highs of 19C, with top wind speeds of 25mph. Swansea is due to be cloudy, with temperatures reaching 18C and gusts of 35mph.
Forecasters say St Davids will also be cloudy, with south-westerly winds of 48mph, while Aberystwyth will see gusts of 39mph.
Rain is expected in Anglesey in the afternoon, with gusts of 38mph, while Rhyl will see a sunny day with top wind speeds of 35mph.
BBC meteorologist Derek Brockway said gusts could reach around 80mph in Holyhead and 70mph in Fishguard.
The Port of Milford Haven urged all mooring holders on the waterway to remove their vessels or ensure they are securely fastened.
According to surf website Magic Seaweed, waves may reach between 18ft and 26ft at Rest Bay in Porthcawl this afternoon. In Rhossili, 50mph winds are expected to bring waves up to 18ft.
The strong winds are forecast in connection with the northward track of ex-Hurricane Ophelia across or near to the west of Britain.
Ophelia set the record for the most eastern category three hurricane in the Atlantic, which are defined as having 111-129mph winds in which well-built homes can suffer major damage.
Last night it entered the Bay of Biscay with winds of up to 83mph.
The gradually weakening Ophelia is expected be a tropical storm when it arrives in the UK.
Ireland and Northern Ireland are forecast to be in its direct path, with Ireland calling a national emergency meeting and the Met Office issuing an amber weather alert for Northern Ireland, which warns of “potential danger to life”.