By Samantha Jones-
Weather authorities have issued warnings of heavy rain and strong winds expected to sweep across the region.
Named by the Met Éireann, the Irish Meteorological Service, Storm Kathleen is forecasted to bring blustery conditions starting from Friday.
Gusts of up to 50mph are expected on Saturday, with coastal areas likely to experience even stronger winds reaching 60 to 70mph, accompanied by large waves, according to the Met Office.
Storm Kathleen marks the 11th named storm of the 2023-24 season and only the second to reach the letter K, following Storm Katie in March 2016.
Met Office meteorologist Alex Burkill warned of “unseasonably wet and windy” conditions on Saturday, with heavy rain forecasted across parts of Scotland and potential outbreaks in western areas and northeast England.
Despite the inclement weather, temperatures are expected to remain relatively mild, with highs potentially reaching 20°C, marking the first occurrence of such temperatures this year.
Travel disruptions are anticipated, particularly in central Scotland, where heavy downpours are expected to result in accumulations of 15-25mm of rain, with localized amounts of up to 35mm overnight.
Additionally, a yellow weather warning for snow is in place for higher ground areas, with accumulations of 10cm or more possible above 300 meters.
The Environment Agency has issued flood warnings and alerts across England, primarily in southern regions, while the RAC’s breakdown spokesperson, Rod Dennis, has advised drivers to exercise caution and avoid exposed coasts and higher routes where strong winds are likely to be felt most intensely.
The arrival of Storm Kathleen comes as England grapples with record levels of rainfall, with figures released this week indicating a record amount of rainfall in the 18 months leading up to March.
The unprecedented rainfall underscores the challenges posed by extreme weather events and highlights the need for robust preparations and response measures.
Looking ahead, meteorologist Alex Burkill indicated that while wet weather is expected to persist in the coming days, there are signs of a potential respite with drier conditions on the horizon.
However, the end of next week could see another spell of stormy weather, particularly across northern and western regions.
Authorities are urging residents to stay informed, heed weather warnings, and take necessary precautions to ensure their safety and well-being amidst the challenging conditions expected in the days ahead.