Deadly storms Elin and Fergus bring travel chaos to the United Kingdom

Monday, December 11, 2023

The United Kingdom faces an onslaught of turbulent weather as Storms Elin and Fergus leave a trail of disruption. Storm Elin, with wind speeds reaching up to 81mph, battered the nation on Saturday, delivering 38mm of rain. Now, as the country grapples with the aftermath, Storm Fergus is poised to bring another wave of challenges.

Fresh weather warnings, extending until Wednesday, have been issued by the Met Office. Storm Fergus, named by Ireland’s Met Eireann, is anticipated to unleash 30 to 40mm of rain, accompanied by the risk of hail and thunder. Yellow weather warnings are concentrated in northwest England, southwest Scotland, and parts of northern and eastern Scotland.

Met Office Chief Meteorologist Andy Page cautions of likely disruptions to travel and potential flooding. The warnings are in effect until 3 am on Wednesday, encompassing the aftermath of Storm Fergus’ arrival on Sunday afternoon.

“Storm Fergus will conclude what has been an unsettled weekend of weather for the UK. Fergus will bring some strong winds and heavy rain for a time late on Sunday and into the early hours of Monday morning,” says Page. While the Republic of Ireland braces for the strongest gusts, western areas, including Irish Sea coasts, are expected to experience windy conditions alongside potentially impactful rain.

The rain’s disruptive potential is heightened in northern England and parts of Scotland, especially where the ground is saturated. The Environment Agency and the Scottish Environmental Protection Agency have issued 40 flood warnings for England and three for Scotland, respectively.

South Wales and areas around the Bristol Channel are anticipated to bear the brunt of the strongest winds, with localized gales a possibility. Delays in road, rail, air, and ferry transport are anticipated, and coastal communities may experience disruptions due to spray and large waves.

Met Office’s extended warnings underscore the persistent challenges posed by the consecutive storms, emphasizing the need for residents and authorities to remain vigilant and prepared for potential impacts. The turbulent weather conditions serve as a reminder of the unpredictable nature of winter storms and the importance of proactive measures to mitigate their consequences.

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