- Storm Gerrit disrupts UK
- Power outages, travel delays
- Severe weather warnings issued
On December 27, only the central region of the United Kingdom is not subject to a weather warning. Travellers have been advised to exercise extra caution on the day following Christmas, which is expected to be extremely congested.
Wednesday morning, hundreds of people were without power as Storm Gerrit ravaged the nation with snow, wind, and rain.
As a result of the Met Office’s multiple yellow weather warnings for today and tomorrow, individuals returning home after spending the Christmas season should anticipate delays and potentially hazardous conditions.
The worst-affected day is expected to be today, as strong winds are predicted to strike a portion of the south coast, causing potential disruptions to transport and power outages.
As of this morning at 8:00 a.m., the Energy Networks Association reports that approximately 480 residences possess no power.
Wales and the central and northwestern regions of England are also anticipated to receive heavy precipitation, which may result in inundation.
Scotland is currently experiencing the onset of snowfall; a yellow rain and snow warning is in effect for the majority of the country from 6 am to 9 pm.
Widespread Weather Warnings: Storm Impact on UK Regions
The Met Office map presented below illustrates that a weather warning is not in effect except in the central region of the United Kingdom.
Connor Gillies reports from Fort William that the “main artery” road traversing the western Highlands is currently closed.
The Met Office predicts 50–60 mph winds with surges of up to 70 mph on vulnerable coastlines and high hills.
The Scottish Environment Protection Agency issued fifteen flood alerts and three flood warnings for the entire nation, whereas the government of the United Kingdom issued dozens of flood alerts and only a few flood warnings for England.
Wind advisories remain in effect until the wee hours of Thursday morning in northwest England and west Wales.
Met Office storm namer Simon Partridge said the storm was a warning to people returning home after Christmas.
He stated, “Because of the volume of issued warnings, it was determined that naming a storm would be a good idea to bring attention to the public to the associated danger,” adding that the roadways were likely to be quite congested on Christmas Day as people returned home.
Mr. Partridge stated that rain warnings have been issued for northwest England, western Wales, and the entirety of Northern Ireland, and that Scotland is also under a combined rain and snow warning.
Delays and disruptions in travel
Ferries, trains, and roadways are all being disrupted by severe weather.
A number of trees obstruct the A82 in Scotland.
Storm Gerrit is causing disruptions to routes throughout England, Wales, and Scotland, according to National Rail.
Wednesday would see the implementation of speed limits, per Network Rail Scotland, which advised passengers to check for cancellations.
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After torrential rain flooded the railway between Inverness and Kyle of Lochalsh in Scotland, service has been restored. However, trains may continue to be delayed by 15 minutes.
Phil Campbell, director of customer operations for ScotRail, stated, “Unfortunately, we anticipate service disruptions as a result of the inclement weather; accordingly, customers should anticipate some itinerary adjustments.
We will collaborate closely with Network Rail Scotland employees to ensure that people are kept moving as much as possible. Passengers should anticipate that their trips will take longer than usual and that some may be cancelled.
Wednesday, Transport for Wales has issued a warning that services could be disrupted due to possible cancellations, delays, and changes.
Trains between Carmarthen and Whitland have been delayed due to a fallen tree. Services between Llandudno or Llandudno Junction and Blaenau Ffestiniog have been cancelled.
At this time, hovercraft services on the Isle of Wight are cancelled; however, FastCat bookings are still being accepted. At this time, all other services (Red Funnel and Wightlink) continue to operate without interruption due to the weather conditions.
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