Air passengers braced for chaos as Storm Ciara sweeps Britain
Unprecedented weather warning urges country to prepare for high winds and travel disruption
PASSENGERS were last night warned that hundreds of flights could be cancelled as Storm Ciara threatened to bring a month’s rainfall in one day with winds of up to 80mph.
British Airways was expecting to suspend 60 flights from Heathrow, Gatwick and London City airports, while Heathrow said it would run a “consolidated” schedule.
The Met Office issued the most widespread weather warning since records began as it said parts of England and Wales could see as much as 100mm (3.9in) of rainfall today, which is more than the average rainfall of 97mm for the entire month of February.
Storm Ciara is barrelling towards Britain from the West and will unleash strong winds and heavy rain. Large waves could also pose a deadly threat in coastal areas. The Met Office’s warning shows the storm bringing heavy rain to many parts of Britain before it sweeps eastwards towards Scandinavia and the Baltic.
It is expected the strong winds will cause travel chaos by disrupting road, rail, air and ferry services, while some bridges may have to close.
Network Rail warned that reduced train services and speed restrictions were likely to be in place. Disruption could continue into Monday morning as repair work may be hampered by the conditions. Strong winds have the potential to damage overhead electric wires and tracks.
The AA told motorists not to drive “if weather conditions are extreme”. Tourist attractions and nature spots in Cornwall will be closed.
The opening ceremony of Galway’s year as European Capital of Culture was cancelled due to the bad weather buffeting Ireland’s west coast.
The London Winter Run 10k event, hosting 25,000 runners, was also aborted and all eight Royal Parks will be closed today after health and safety experts said ancient and veteran trees would be vulnerable to high winds.
A Met Office spokesman said: “It is certainly one of the biggest, if not the biggest, amber warning we have ever seen in the UK, based on coverage and using this warning system. What is significant is the widespread nature of it. Quite often, we get storms in certain parts of the country but this one is going to affect all parts of the UK. We are right in the firing line. Every part of the UK will feel the force of it.
“Potentially a month’s worth of rainfall could fall over North Wales and north-west England.”
Forecasters issued an amber warning, citing potential “danger to life” from towering waves and flying debris. One of the biggest hazards could be poor visibility on the roads.
Guy Addington, of the RNLI, said: “This rough weather could make visiting our coasts treacherous and bring very dangerous sea conditions.”