After enduring the wrath of Storm Elin, Britain now braces for another bout of extreme weather with the arrival of Storm Fergus. Met Office forecasts indicate that the country will face heavy rainfall and strong winds until at least Wednesday, following the aftermath of 81mph gales and torrential downpours brought by Storm Elin.
Storm Elin’s legacy of 75mph gusts caused widespread destruction – from felled trees to flooded roads. Now, Storm Fergus threatens to compound these challenges. The Met Office has issued yellow warnings for rain in various regions, including north-east England, south-eastern Scotland, and north-western Scotland. These areas are particularly vulnerable as they are still grappling with the effects of saturated grounds from previous downpours.
Named by the Irish meteorological service, Met Eireann, Storm Fergus is expected to bring 30 to 40mm of rain, along with the possibility of hail and thunder. The warnings are in place through Sunday evening for Scotland and into Monday morning for the North East.
In response to these conditions, the Environment Agency has issued 40 flood warnings for England and three by the Scottish Environmental Protection Agency. Incidents such as a Range Rover carrying a young child getting caught in four feet of water in Essex and swans paddling beyond the River Severn’s banks in Worcester have highlighted the severity of the situation.
Adding to the concern, the Met Office anticipates that the strongest winds from Storm Fergus will likely affect south Wales and areas around the Bristol Channel, possibly leading to localized gales.
The impact of the storm has already been felt across the nation, with reports of cancelled trains, residents experiencing power outages, and vehicles damaged by fallen trees. The Met Office continues to monitor the situation closely and has not ruled out the introduction of further weather warnings for Sunday.
The adverse weather has also caused disruptions to road, rail, air, and ferry transport. Coastal routes and communities are warned of potential hazards due to spray and large waves.
The aftermath of Storm Elin and the impending threat of Storm Fergus serve as a stark reminder of the unpredictable nature of British weather. Residents are advised to stay updated on the latest weather forecasts and heed any travel or safety advisories issued by authorities.
