Storm Ashley has lashed the UK with heavy rain and 80 mph winds, causing widespread travel disruption and prompting flood warnings across the country, Bloomberg reports.
The first named storm of the season has brought a significant threat of injury and danger to life, according to the Met Office.
A yellow wind warning, in place since 3am on Sunday, covers all of Scotland, Northern Ireland, and parts of north-west England and Wales. An amber warning for the north-west of Scotland, effective from 9am to midnight, warns of “injuries and danger to life” due to large waves and potential damage from sea debris.
Ferry services have been severely impacted. CalMac, serving the west coast of Scotland, has cancelled most sailings, isolating islands like Arran, Bute, Lewis, and Harris due to rough sea conditions. P&O Ferries has also cancelled sailings between Larne, Northern Ireland, and Cairnryan, Scotland.
Road travel in Scotland has been advised against, and the annual Great South Run in Portsmouth, Hampshire, was cancelled due to safety concerns.
A yellow warning for the south-west of England and South Wales is in place until midday, with the potential for travel disruption, flooding, and power outages.
The Met Office predicts a “widely windy day” with storm-force winds in the North West. Rain will spread eastwards, followed by sunny spells but with gusty winds.
The Environment Agency has issued 41 flood warnings, indicating flooding is expected, and 132 flood alerts, signifying potential flooding. Affected areas include the River Severn, the south Cornwall coast, and the Wye Estuary. Similar warnings have been issued by Natural Resources Wales and the Scottish Environment Protection Agency (Sepa).
The winds are expected to ease on Monday, with rain moving into the South East. The north is likely to remain blustery for much of the week.
