A powerful storm, Storm Éowyn, is set to bring severe gales and disruption to parts of the UK on Friday, with winds reaching up to 90mph and heavy rain and hill snow forecasted for various regions.
Storm Éowyn Brings Severe Gales and Disruption to the UK
The Met Office has named Storm Éowyn, which is set to bring severe gales and disruption to parts of the United Kingdom on Friday.
Winds Reach Up to 90mph
Gusts of up to 90mph (145km/h) – or possibly even more – are expected, bringing localised damage, power cuts, and travel disruption. Heavy rain and hill snow are also forecasted for various regions.
A Big Change from Recent Weather
Storm Éowyn will mark a significant change from the quiet and rather cold weather that has dominated over the last week or so, bringing mist and fog to some parts of the UK.
Met Office Issues Yellow Warnings
The Met Office has issued yellow warnings for wind on Friday and Saturday. Visibility could drop to less than 100m (328ft) in affected areas, causing poor traveling conditions.
Fog Causes by Light Winds
Met Office yellow warnings for fog have been issued for Wednesday morning covering parts of Northern Ireland, northern England, north-east Wales, and south-west Scotland. However, these winds will strengthen dramatically by the end of the week.
Rapid Development of Storm Éowyn
Storm Éowyn will undergo rapid development during Thursday as it moves across the Atlantic. The strongest winds on Friday are likely to occur in Northern Ireland, southern Scotland, northern and western areas of England and Wales.
Gusts Expected Across the UK
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Around hills and coastal areas of the Irish Sea: gusts between 80-90mph (129-145km/h)
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Elsewhere: gusts of 60-70mph (97-113km/h) expected through the day
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Northern and western Scotland, parts of the Midlands, and southern England: gusts of 50-65mph (80-105km/h) expected but up to 80mph (129km/h) around coastal areas
Travel Disruption and Damage Expected
These gales and severe gales are likely to bring travel disruption and some damage, which could include roof tiles being blown off and power cuts. Large waves are also expected with coastal overtopping.
Supercharged Jet Stream
The jet stream close to the UK has been fairly weak and diffuse in nature, allowing high pressure to linger close by. However, events on the other side of the Atlantic mean that this is now changing. Frigid Arctic air is surging southwards across North America, bringing life-threatening wind chills with snow as far south as Texas and Louisiana.
The Contrast Between Cold and Milder Air
The contrast between this extremely cold air mass and much milder air further south is going to “supercharge” the jet stream. The winds in the core of the jet are forecast to exceed 260mph (418km/h) above the Atlantic, causing Storm Éowyn to deepen rapidly as it heads towards the UK.
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