Storm Lilian threatens 80mph winds, power cuts, and travel disruption
Storm Lilian is on her way to make sure you all have a great Summer Bank Holiday weekend.
This flurry of bad weather will move northwest early tomorrow morning, forecasters say, with winds above 75mph expected.
These winds will batter northern England and Wales and parts of southern Scotland.
‘Warnings highlight potential travel disruption, the possibility of power cuts and dangerous conditions near coasts,’ the Met Office said.
A yellow weather warning has also been issued for parts of southern Scotland tomorrow.
‘Within the warning area, another 50mm of rain is possible over high ground, with 20-30mm falling quite widely,’ Met Office Chief Meteorologist Jason Kelly said.
‘Much of this is falling on saturated ground so increases the chance of some surface water flooding.’
The strong winds may rip the tiles off of roofs and flying debris poses a ‘danger to life’. Large waves whipped up by the wind also pose such a risk.
Lilian will likely disrupt travel on all fronts. Road, rail, air and ferry service may all be impacted, leading to delays and cancellations on public transport.
‘These winds are likely to affect major routes such as the M6, A66 and A1(M), as well as potentially impacting infrastructure,’ the weather service added.
People are advised to secure any loose items outside their homes, such as bins, garden furniture and trampolines. Inside, keep torches, portable chargers and batteries on hand in case of power cuts.
Avoid coastlines too – even the shore – as waves could ‘sweep you off your feet and out to sea’.
Lilian is the 12th named storm to sweep the UK since September. Weather officials name storms if they have the potential to cause disruption or damage, making public safety messages easier to follow.
The last storm was Kathleen, which hammered parts of the UK in April. If there is another storm after Lilian before the end of September, it will be called Minnie, according to the Met Office’s Storm Centre.
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