80MPH STORM CHAOS ON WAY
BRITAIN’S early taste of spring will come to an end as Storm Doris sweeps in tomorrow.
The Met Office has issued the fourth storm name of the winter as gales reaching up to 80mph tear in from the Atlantic.
Gusts that will be strong enough to topple trees, damage buildings, knock out power supplies and trigger flying debris are expected in some regions.
Severe weather warnings
for wind and up to eight inches of snow have been issued for the next few days.
Thermometers will plunge as mild southerly air responsible for nearrecord February temperatures in the past few days is shoved away by a blast from the Arctic.
Snow was expected over high ground in the North while wintry showers were forecast further south and winds were due to pick up from last night.
Met Office forecaster Emma Sharples said: “Another low pressure system will deepen quite rapidly as it moves across the UK bringing a broad swathe of very strong winds through Thursday.
“Widespread gales will reach between 60mph and 70mph with isolated gusts of 80mph. We are looking at rain and snow which could even fall to some lower levels.”
Metcheck forecasters warned that downpours will dump up to three inches of rain in parts as Doris strikes.
A spokesman said: “Heavy rain is likely to push east into south-west Scotland and north-west England, with 50 to 75mm (2.9in) of rain possible in a short period of time for some western facing hills and mountains.”
The Met Office confirmed Thursday’s storm will be strong enough to warrant the fourth name of the season – Doris – following Angus, Barbara and Conor last year.
It has issued severe weather warnings for wind across a swathe of southern Britain with a more serious amber alert across central regions.
Another warning for snow has been put out across Scotland and northern England which faces blizzards and deep drifts.
Met Office chief forecaster Steve Willington said up to eight inches of snow is possible in parts of the country.
He said: “Some very strong winds are expected throughout tomorrow in association with Storm Doris, with a short period where gusts of 70 to 80 mph are possible.
“Damage to structures, interruptions to power supplies and widespread disruption to travel networks are likely, with a danger of injury from flying debris.
“Strong winds will result in drifting of the snow and blizzard conditions over high ground.”
Exacta Weather forecaster James Madden warned to expect a “shock to the system” as temperatures plunge around 15C from the warm start of the week.
He said: “Despite the spell of very mild weather, a real shock to the system is in store as Britain heads back into the freezer.
“Snow will start falling across the North before spreading to many other areas into next weekend.
“Regions as far south as Central England and London are at risk of some falling snow and with it also being windy across the North there is the risk of blizzard conditions.”