Storm Ashley is currently sweeping across the UK, bringing strong winds and heavy rain that have prompted the issuance of severe weather warnings. The Met Office has placed Amber and Yellow National Severe Weather Warnings in effect for large areas of the country today and continuing into Monday.
Disruption Across the UK
The deep low-pressure system, named Storm Ashley by Met Éireann, is moving northeastwards, with significant weather impacts anticipated.
Met Office Chief Meteorologist, Steve Willington, said: “We could see disruption today and tomorrow, particularly across Scotland, Northern Ireland, Northern England, and West Wales, due to the strong winds and heavy rain. These conditions may coincide with high spring tides, raising the risk of coastal flooding, especially around northern and western Scotland and the northern Irish Sea.”
Gusts of 60-70 mph are expected across the west of Northern Ireland, with exposed parts of western Scotland potentially seeing gusts as high as 70-80 mph. Elsewhere, within the warning areas, gusts of 50-60 mph are forecast. The storm is expected to continue into Monday morning before gradually easing.
Travel and Safety Advisories
Head of Transport Resilience at Transport Scotland, Ashleigh Robson, advised: “Storm Ashley is set to bring widespread travel disruption from Sunday into Monday. We urge passengers to check with their travel operators. With school holidays in some areas, it is crucial for families travelling cross-border to stay updated.”
Robson noted that the Multi-Agency Response Team is in a position to manage the situation, monitor the network, and provide updates to the public. Key concerns include fallen trees and debris on the roads, as well as visibility issues due to heavy rain, which could lead to localized flooding.
Disruptions are anticipated across various transport services, including ferries, rail, and flights. The public is advised to plan ahead and consult with transport operators for the latest information. “Safety remains the priority, and any cancellations will be made with passenger safety in mind,” Robson added. Further updates on road conditions can be found at Traffic Scotland.
Looking Ahead
Storm Ashley is expected to pull away northeastward on Monday, bringing some sunny spells and scattered showers in its wake. More persistent rain may affect the southeast. After a brief period of calmer weather on Tuesday and Wednesday, the forecast indicates a return of unsettled conditions later in the week, with further heavy rain and possibly strong winds.
Stay Informed
For the latest updates, you can visit the Met Office’s website, check their YouTube channel, or follow them on social media platforms X and Facebook. The Met Office mobile app is also available on the App Store and Google Play.
About Storm Naming
Storm Ashley is part of the Western Storm Naming Group, a collaboration between the UK, Ireland, and the Netherlands (KNMI). This joint effort helps raise awareness and ensure consistent communication during severe weather events. More information on the naming of storms can be found here.
