Weather warnings for wind and rain have come into effect as parts of the UK are hit by Storm Ashley.
Heavy rain and 80mph winds are predicted in places with the first named storm of the season ‘likely’ to bring a threat of injuries and danger to life, the Met Office has said.
A yellow warning for wind came into place for the entirety of Scotland and Northern Ireland and parts of north-west England and Wales at 3am and runs until midnight on Sunday.
An amber warning for the north-west of Scotland has been issued from 9am until midnight with the weather service warning ‘injuries and danger to life is likely from large waves and beach material being thrown onto coastal roads, sea fronts and properties’.
Meanwhile several flood warnings are in place, with people being urged to move to higher ground or the upper floor of a building, move their loved ones, pets and valuables to a safe place and put flood protection equipment in place in case they experience flooding.
The Environment Agency’s website listed 41 active flood warnings on Sunday morning, meaning flooding is expected, and 132 flood alerts, meaning flooding is possible.
The warnings include multiple areas of the River Severn, the south Cornwall coast and the Wye Estuary.
Natural Resources Wales said there are three flood warnings and 13 flood alerts in place, while 16 flood warnings have been issued by the Scottish Environment Protection Agency along with 17 alerts.
Met Office meteorologist Dan Stroud said ‘very strong, severe gales’ on Sunday coincide with high spring tides, which could also result in ‘very large waves’.
The north of Scotland will remain under a yellow warning for wind from midnight until 9am on Monday.
Further south, the Met Office has issued a yellow warning for the south-west of England and South Wales until midday on Sunday with a threat of disruption to travel with flooding and possible interruptions to power supplies.
Mr Stroud said strong, gale force winds are due to continue through to Monday morning meaning ‘fallen debris and trees’ could impact commuters at the start of the week.
Road users in Scotland have been advised to avoid unnecessary travel where possible, while Sunday’s annual Great South Run in Portsmouth, Hampshire, has been cancelled because of weather-related safety concerns.
Police Scotland have advised motorists to ‘plan ahead and avoid unnecessary travel where possible’ ahead of the ‘strong likelihood’ of disruption on roads, while Transport Scotland has warned of likely delays to public transport, including the country’s ferry network.
Chief Superintendent Hilary Sloan, Police Scotland’s head of road policing, said: ‘Make sure your vehicle has sufficient fuel and is completely roadworthy, with tyre pressure and tread meeting legal requirements.
The Great South Run, set to take place in Portsmouth today, has been cancelled due to wind and downpours from Storm Ashley.
Over 20,000 runners were set to take place in the annual event, which organisers were forced to call off after saying they weren’t confident the 10-mile run could be staged safely.
A statement from organisers said the wind could ‘compromise our event infrastructure including our medical facilities’.
‘This combined with high tide levels, potential debris, and the exposure along the seafront means that we can’t guarantee the safe delivery of the event.’
‘Ensure your mobile phone is fully charged in the event you need to call for assistance and if it is likely you may be within your vehicle for long periods of time, take additional clothing and water with you.’
Ferry operator CalMac said many of its services on the west coast of Scotland had been cancelled for the day on Sunday with several others liable to be disrupted.
The Met Office said Sunday will be a ‘widely windy day’ with storm-force winds in the northwest.
Rain will spread eastwards ahead of sunny spells, but with gusty winds moving east during the afternoon.
Meteorologist Ellie Glaisyer said: ‘Parts of western Scotland could see gusts of 70-80mph during the afternoon. It will turn drier and brighter across much of England and Wales with some sunny spells during the afternoon.’
Winds are expected to ease on Monday with rain moving into the south east. The north is expected to remaining blustery for much of the week.
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