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UK weather latest: Storm Eleanor could bring 80mph winds and floods across country
UK weather latest: Storm Eleanor cuts power to thousands of homes as 80mph winds buffet Britain
(about 9 hours later)
Strong winds of up to 80mph could lead to flooding and disruption to public transport as Storm Eleanor hits the country, the Met Office has warned.
Thousands of homes have been left without power as Storm Eleanor hit Britain with winds of up to 80mph.
Exposed areas are set to suffer the worst conditions as the fifth named storm of the season arrives across Northern Ireland before crossing to the western coast of northern England and Scotland.
Forecasters warned lives could be at risk from flying debris as the fifth-named storm of the season arrived last night.
The Met Office has issued a yellow weather warning for north east and west England, Northern Ireland and parts of Scotland for between 6pm on Tuesday and 8am on Wednesday.
An amber weather warning was issued for southern parts of Northern Ireland and northern England as well as southern fringes of Scotland overnight.
Other areas of the west and south are also expected to experience "very windy" conditions.
Around 22,000 houses in Northern Ireland and scores more in England were affected by power cuts.
Coastal roads and properties along Britain's western and southern coasts are vulnerable to high waves throwing beach material on to sea fronts, forecasters warned.
Northern Ireland Electricity Networks said it restored supply to 10,000 properties but another 12,000 would be without power overnight.
The warning predicts gales with gusts of 60mph to 70mph are likely while some western coastal areas have a chance of seeing gusts of up to 80mph.
A spokesman said: “It’s very difficult to make repairs because we have to think about the safety of our employees, most repairs will start at first light.”
Meteorologist Emma Sharples said: "There is likely to be some disruption possibly to public transport, bridges and other public services such as mobile phones and people need to be aware that there could be debris as well. The strong winds coincide with high tides in some western areas which could lead to large waves which could have some impact as well."
A number of roads were closed due to fallen trees and motorists were warned to avoid all but essential travel.
Met Office chief forecaster Paul Gundersen said: "The unsettled theme continues throughout this week, with further spells of rain moving across the UK from the west as many return to work on Tuesday and there will again be some snow over the high ground in Scotland.
In England, nearly 2,000 homes were hit by power cuts in the Midlands, as well as around 700 in the South West and 460 in Wales.
"The wind will pick up again later on Tuesday and Wednesday as developing Storm Eleanor heads towards the UK and Ireland."
The Environment Agency issued 65 flood warnings and dozens of alerts across the country.
The Environment Agency warned earlier that strong winds and high tides could bring coastal flooding from Tuesday until Thursday.
The Dartford Crossing bridge was closed overnight due to the dangerous wind speeds and was due to reopen in time for this morning’s rush hour.
Carol Holt, the Environment Agency's flood duty manager, said: "We urge people to stay safe on the coast - take extreme care on coastal paths and promenades, and don't put yourself in unnecessary danger trying to take 'storm selfies'.
Vince Crane, of the AA, advised drivers to take extra care in the worsening conditions.
"If you're travelling, please check your route before setting off and don't drive through flood water."
He said: “Road conditions can quickly deteriorate during very heavy rainfall, with drains becoming swamped or blocked and standing water causing surface spray, reduced visibility and potentially leading to flooding.
Deputy chief forecaster Dan Harris added that next weekend could bring a return of colder conditions with a risk of frost, ice and wintry conditions, particularly in the north. He added: "It could remain more unsettled in the south.
"Drivers will need to take extra care and expect delays, even on motorways. Strong or sudden gusts of wind are more likely on open stretches of road, when passing bridges or gaps in hedges, or when overtaking high-sided vehicles.”
"The details of the forecast later this week and into the weekend are extremely uncertain at this stage, so my advice is to keep up to date with the latest forecasts as confidence will increase later in the week."
A yellow weather warning covering Wales, England, most of Northern Ireland and parts of Scotland was in place overnight into today.
Neil Davies, flood duty manager for the Environment Agency, said: "Stormy conditions will see strong winds and large waves combine with high tides, which could lead to some flooding along western and south-western coasts of England this week, and along the north Kent coastline tomorrow.
There will be a risk of “injuries and danger to life” from flying debris and large waves along the western coast, the Met Office said.
"Our frontline teams are on the ground, checking defences and may close coastal flood gates."
Meteorologist Emma Sharples said: “There is likely to be some disruption possibly to public transport, bridges and other public services such as mobile phones and people need to be aware that there could be debris as well.”
Bookmaker Coral is giving odds-on at 10-11 that the wind speed reaches as high as 100mph in mainland UK this week, with the firm also offering odds of 3-1 for this month to end as the wettest January on record and 6-4 for it to be the coldest January ever in the UK.
In Wales, people have been advised to keep a safe distance from the sea as Natural Resources Wales (NRW) issued a series of flood warnings for the south-east, south-west and north coasts.
Spokesman John Hill said: "It looks as though Storm Eleanor is going to bring some powerful gusts with her over the next few days therefore we have cut the odds on the wind speed reaching as high as 100mph in mainland UK this week.
Ceri Jones, from NRW, said: “Large waves could overtop defences and throw up debris – this could easily cause injury or knock you off your feet.”
"With the cold snap set to continue and more rain forecast, we have taken a flurry of bets for this month to end as the coldest and wettest January on record in the UK."
Pembrokeshire County Council also issued a warning for several areas, including Amroth and Newgale, where overtopping waves could cause disruption.
