Storm Isha is set to bring winds of up to 80mph and heavy rain to the UK this weekend, posing a risk to life and damage to buildings. The Met Office officially named the storm today (Friday 19th January) and issued amber weather warnings for wind in northern and western England, Wales, Northern Ireland and parts of Scotland from Sunday into Monday. During this wet and windy weekend across northern England, the heaviest downpours are expected during Sunday as 30mm to 50mm could fall in many places.
Chief meteorologist for the Met Office, Dan Suri, said: ‘Storm Isha will bring strong winds to the whole of the UK through Sunday and into Monday. The areas of particular concern are reflected by a large Amber severe weather warning which covers Northern Ireland, central and southern Scotland, Wales, much of northern England as well as southwestern parts of England.
In these regions we could see gusts frequently between 50-60mph and even up to 80mph in exposed coastal locations. As the storm starts to move away on Monday morning very strong winds will also develop in the far southeast of England, bringing the risk of 70-80mph gusts here too in the early hours of Monday morning.’
Met Office man Dan warned, ‘Storm Isha will bring a disruptive spell of weather to the UK with strong winds across the whole country. Heavy rain will cause additional hazards, particularly in the west. A number of severe weather warnings for rain have also been issued. Keep up to date with the Met Office warnings and pay close attention to guidance from your local authority.’
The good news is that conditions are expected to settle on Tuesday.
