THE FIRST storm of the season has been named after forecasters issued a “danger to life” warning amid predictions of 80mph winds.
Storm Ashley has been named by Irish meteorological service Met Éireann – which warned of “very strong and gusty southerly winds”, coupled with high spring tides.
They said the warnings were valid starting midday on Sunday until 9pm that night.
Meanwhile the Met Office has warned of “especially strong winds” on Sunday afternoon and evening in Western Scotland.
They said gusts could reach up to 80mph in exposed areas, issuing a yellow weather wind warning from 3am Sunday until midday on Monday.
They said it would be closer to 65mph in other parts of the warning area.
“These strong winds in conjunction with high spring tides may cause some disruption,” the Met Office said.
They added that there is a small chance of injuries and danger to life from flying debris.
There is also a chance of damage to buildings, such as tiles blown from roofs, and injuries could occur from large waves and beach material being thrown onto sea fronts, coastal roads and properties.
There is a slight chance that power cuts may occur, with the potential to affect other services, such as mobile phone coverage, the Met Office said.
It comes after the forecaster issued a severe warning lasting right through rush hour and covering much of the South East of England and the Midlands.
The weather agency said: “Areas of fog, dense in places, are likely to cause travel delays this morning.”
The warning was in place until 9am, with the weather slowing down journey times – with cancellations to flights a distinct possibility.
The area covered by the alert includes both Gatwick and Heathrow airports.
The weather is set to turn increasingly wet and windy today.
Although it’s a dry start for many, a low-pressure system is expected to bring strong winds to the north and west – with a yellow wind warning in place until 3pm in Scotland.
This combined with high spring tides may result in some coastal impacts, potentially continuing into the weekend on some coasts, the Met Office says.
Chief Meteorologist Jason Kelly said: “A period of strong south to southeasterly winds is likely across western Scotland on Friday morning into the early afternoon, before easing and turning southwesterly through the afternoon.
“Wind gusts of 45-55mph are possible fairly widely for a time, and perhaps in excess of 60mph in more exposed locations.
“Given the wind direction and high spring tides, some disruption is possible.”
However, things will be dry and brighter further south and east, with temperatures near normal or just above average.
The weather is set to remain unsettled going into the weekend, with further rain at times tomorrow.
By Sunday, a deep area of low pressure will arrive from the Atlantic bringing more widespread strong winds, particularly in northern and western areas.
A yellow warning for wind has been issued from 3am on Sunday until midday on Monday.
