Exact time Storm Herminia rolls in bringing 75mph gusts just hours after ‘strongest storm in a decade’ wreaked havoc
THE exact time Storm Herminia is expected to roll in, bringing 75 mph gusts, comes just hours after the “strongest storm in a decade”.
A spell of “very strong” wind and “heavy rain” has led to the Met office putting a yellow weather warning in place.
With injuries and “danger to life” a possibility, those in the South West of England could face gusts of up to 75mph starting at 8am today.
Following Storm Eowyn, which battered residents across the nation earlier this week, there seems to be little time for relief before Storm Herminia.
Current yellow warnings are in place across the North West, East and South East of England.
The Midlands, East of England and London have also been included.
Current estimations predict the heavy rain and likely local flooding to continue until tomorrow.
It is thought that 10-20 mm will fall “quite widely” with high ground areas potentially facing up to 50mm.
Those in exposed south or southeast-facing upslopes are at particular risk.
Given recent conditions and Storm Eowyn, the extra rainfall could cause river flooding.
As strong gales move in, trees and structures that have already been damaged this week could pose further risk.
Snow and ice warnings are also in place until 10am today.
Yellow warnings continue to be in place from the start of the week.
Disruption to transport and outages of power have been described as likely.
Coastal routes and exposed areas will probably be affected by spray or large waves.
Heavy rain from 6am tomorrow could bring “some disruption and flooding” to the West Midlands and much of Wales.
It comes after thousands were left without power after facing Storm Eowyn.
Some 1070 flights were cancelled and 50 supermarkets were forced to close.
A number of snow and ice warnings were also issued as travel chaos was predicted across the weekend.
On Thursday, around 4.5 million received an emergency alert on their phones warning them of the forecast ahead.
The “danger to life” red alert was the “largest real life use of the tool to date” according to RAC Breakdown.
Gales of an unprecedented strength left carnage and a tail of destruction in their wake.
Trees were ripped up and roof tiles torn as many were forced to take shelter inside.
A mini tornado was seen in Cornwall was at least one treated for injuries, according to local media.
A 20-year-old man was tragically killed after a tree fell on his car in 114 mph winds.
Kacper Dudek died in Ireland after the adverse weather conditions and devastating incident.
The tree fell on his vehicle at Feddyglass, Raphoe in Co Donegal, early on Friday with a post-mortem expected to take place in due course.
Meanwhile, in Scotland the First Minister revealed it could take weeks to repair the devastation left behind.
John Swinney appealed for “patience” as 60,000 homes continued to be without power yesterday.
Mr Swinney said: “After the significant impact of Storm Éowyn, work is under way to restore power supplies and transport network.
“It will take some time to complete and I appeal for the patience of the public.
“Power company staff and our public servants are working at speed to restore services.”
Cops were called to around 1,900 weather-related incidents and Scottish Southern Electricity Networks said it has received 52,000 calls — two months’ worth — in just 24 hours and warned it could take days for power to come back on.
Aileen Rourke, distribution director for SP Energy Networks Scotland, said: “Storm Éowyn is one of the worst to hit Scotland in decades.
“The force of the wind has caused significant damage which, unfortunately, means in some areas it could take longer to restore power.”
Forecast
Monday: Weather warnings continue to be in place across the South and South West of England, as well as most of Wales.
Spells of heavy rain could lead to some local flooding while those in Wales could see their bus and train services taking longer than usual.
Tuesday: Strong and gusty winds are expected across the majority of the south with a yellow warning continuing to be in place for a number of areas.
Those in exposed coastal regions may find they are particularly affected.
Wednesday: Currently there are no warnings in force from mid-week but it is worth keeping an eye on the forecast as this could change.