THE Met office has issued two weather warnings as Hurricane Lorenzo begins its assault across on the UK.
Hurricane Lorenzo Wreaks Havoc on The Azores Portugal on its way to UK
The UK will be battered with gusts of up to 90mph. The swirling winds will also bring heavy showers across Britain with eight flood warnings in place across northern England. The Environment Agency has confirmed a further 35 flood alerts are in place across the Midlands, eastern Wales and the north of England.
The Met Office has issued a yellow weather warning until 10pm last night across Northern Ireland when strong winds caused travel disruption and loss of power.
Another weather warning has been issued in England and Wales for today.
Met Office weather forecaster Marco Petagna said: “Lorenzo could approach Ireland with hurricane-force winds.
Watch out for some strong winds across south Wales and SW England for this morning’s rush hour – many of us will see #rain too 🌧️🍃 pic.twitter.com/SIYoX3tEBo
— Met Office (@metoffice) October 4, 2019
“Gusts of 80mph or more are suggested on Ireland’s west coast, 65mph on England’s south-west coasts, and 60 mph on Northern Ireland’s coasts.
“Warnings have been issued so people should stay weather-aware.”
Early reports suggest up to 4,000 homes have been left without power in the towns of Galway, Kerry and Mayo.
Orange weather warnings were placed on much of Ireland last night.
Storm Lorenzo was formally named by the National Hurricane Centre last week and was the most easterly positioned Category 5 Hurricane on record.
The tropical storm has been moving north-east through the northern Atlantic.
Met Forecaster Simon Partridge said: “For the majority of the UK we will see some gales.
“There will be near two inches of rain for high ground in Wales and the north west of England.”
The deep low-pressure system will descend southwards progresses with gusts of 65mph set to strike the south west on England on Friday.
The Met Office has issued a 12-hour weather warning from 4am until 4pm across southwest England and south Wales.
Netweather.tv forecaster Paul Michaelwaite said: “Initially affecting western coastal counties, it’s at this point that the strongest gusts of 75mph or more are likely.
“The stormy winds are then set to edge southeast, but they will begin to ease as they do.
“Gusts of 50-65mph may then affect southwest England and south Wales on Friday.”
Met Office chief meteorologist Andy Page said: “At the moment the strongest winds are expected in western Ireland, with a risk of coastal gales developing in Northern Ireland on Thursday and south Wales and south-west England on Friday.
“Our advice is to pay close attention to the weather forecast over the next couple of days and to keep an eye out for any weather warnings that may be issued in your area.”
The environment agency has warned of localised flooding on Friday morning with drivers urged not to use their vehicles in the worst hit areas.
Kate Marks, flood duty manager at the Environment Agency, said: “Further heavy rain on Friday could also lead to localised surface water flooding across parts of western and northern England.
“We have teams out on the ground ready to respond where needed and are working with partners to resolve any ongoing issues.
“We advise people to stay away from swollen rivers and urge people not to drive through flood water as just 30cm of flowing water is enough to move your car.”
