By Charlotte Webster-
The Met Office has issued multiple “danger to life” weather warnings, as Storm Debi hits the UK within bringing heavy rain and severe gale-force winds.
Weather warnings have been issued for large parts of the country, as the fourth storm of the season sweeps across Ireland before reaching northern England and parts of Wales today, with the potential for 130kph gusts in some areas.
The Met Office warned of “danger to life” from flying debris, “fast flowing or deep floodwater”, and large waves in some areas.
An amber warning is in place for Northwest England until 4pm for heavy winds while a yellow warning covers areas including Bangor and St Davids in Wales and Manchester, Sheffield and Liverpool in England.
The Met Office to issue an amber warning for strong winds across northwest England and Northern Ireland.
The warning, in effect from 10 am to 4 pm, foresees gusts of 70-80mph on coastal areas and higher ground, with inland regions expecting winds ranging from 55-65mph.
The affected areas include most of Lancashire and parts of Cumbria, just north of Liverpool. Simultaneously, parts of Co Armagh and Co Down in Northern Ireland are under an amber wind warning until noon.
The Met Office has emphasized the potential for damaged buildings, travel disruptions, and a risk to life along the coast due to large waves.
A less severe yellow warning for wind stretches across much of Wales and northwards across England until 6 pm. Jonathan Vautrey from the Met Office urged caution, especially during the morning rush hour, anticipating widespread travel disturbances.
In addition to the wind warnings, an amber alert for heavy rain is in force in Aberdeenshire from 10 am until 9 pm. The Met Office has issued weather alerts across the UK for Monday, 13 November.
However, the Republic of Ireland is expected to bear the brunt of Storm Debi. A red alert for a potential danger to life and “severe and damaging gusts” covers eastern areas, including Dublin, until 9 am. The rest of the country is under amber or yellow warnings, prompting precautionary school closures.
Met Office chief meteorologist Jason Kelly warns, “The strongest winds are expected to affect parts of the Republic of Ireland early on Monday, possibly coinciding with the morning commute, before affecting parts of north Wales and northern England into the afternoon.”
Storm Debi’s early arrival this season sets a record as the earliest ‘D’ storm to hit the British Isles in the alphabetical sequence. Named by Met Eireann, the storm’s impact follows closely on the heels of Storm Ciaran, which brought disruptive winds to southern England a few weeks ago.
Residents are advised to exercise caution, stay updated on weather alerts, and be prepared for potential disruptions in their daily routines. The storm season, commencing in September, continues to test the resilience of communities across the British Isles.