Hurricane to bring 60mph winds and icy temperatures to UK

Freezing temperatures followed by 60mph winds are forecast as the remnants of Hurricane Lorenzo passes over the UK.

The Met Office is warning of transport disruption and power cuts in Northern Ireland, South West England and Wales today and tomorrow.

It said the storm, which is due to hit Northern Ireland today, is expected to bring heavy rain and wind speeds of up to 60mph in coastal areas.

It comes as the latest Met Office figures show that UK rainfall was 27% above average for September, with 122.4mm falling during the month, compared to the 96.4mm average.

Despite the downpour, the Environment Agency declared a drought in Hertfordshire and north London on Tuesday, when much of the country was experiencing flash flooding.

Met Office spokeswoman Nicola Maxey said today is forecast to get off to a “bright start” for much of the UK, but added that cloud will begin to build up from the west as the storm arrives.

A yellow weather warning is in place from 3pm to 10pm today for Northern Ireland’s coastline.

Wind speeds are forecast to reach 50mph and up to 60mph in the more “exposed areas” of the coast, Ms Maxey said.

She said the “relatively slow moving” storm – the most powerful ever recorded in the far east Atlantic – is due to hit Wales tomorrow morning.

A yellow weather warning for strong winds is in place for South West Wales and South West England between 4am and 4pm.

The Met Office warns of “likely” delays to road, rail, air and ferry transport during that period.