Wind and heavy rain warnings are issued as Storm Francis blows in
HOLIDAYMAKERS ACROSS the UK have been warned to expect an “unseasonably wet and windy spell”, as Storm Francis reaches the west of England from the early hours of today.
People including campers staying by the coast have been told to prepare for the worst of the weather, where winds could reach speeds of up to 70mph and heavy rainfall – up to 90mm – is expected in places during a 36hour weather window.
It follows a similar period of unseasonable weather towards the end of last week, coinciding with the arrival of Storm Ellen, which saw 15-year-old Nicola Williams swept to her death in the River Rhymney, in Llanrumney, Cardiff, and a 50-year-old holidaymaker die in the sea near Helston, west Cornwall, after getting into difficulties.
Nicola Maxey, of the Met Office, said: “Since 2015 when we started naming storms, we have never had to name a storm in August – and now we’ve had two in a few days.
“There are a lot of people on holiday in the UK at the moment, going camping and on walking breaks, many in coastal locations where the winds are likely to be stronger, so it is worth checking on the Met Office website ahead of time.”
A new wind warning is in place for all of Wales and most of England until tomorrow as well as two heavy rain warnings for southern Scotland, North Wales and northern England.
In Yorkshire, after a day of warm weather yesterday, today will see cloud and rain spread across all parts of the region during the day, accompanied by strong to gale force winds.
Chief Meteorologist Andy Page said: “The UK is in for another unseasonably wet and windy spell with Storm Francis arriving on Tuesday. There will be strong winds and heavy rain, especially in the west of the UK.”
Forecasters said the winds were “unusual” for August, but would have to go some way to beat the current record wind gust speed of 87mph recorded at The Needles, on the Isle of Wight, in August 1996.