Yellow weather warning as gale force winds are set hit Flintshire

The Met Office has issued a yellow weather warning for parts of Wales, England and Scotland, as strong winds are expected to hit the UK, the weather system moving towards us is the remnants of the Hurricane Gonzalo which caused major damage in Bermuda.

Issued at:
0958 on Mon 20 Oct 2014

Valid from:
0010 on Tue 21 Oct 2014

Valid to:
1800 on Tue 21 Oct 2014

Our story from Bermuda on @GMA: Hurricane Gonzalo Batters Bermuda VIDEO: http://t.co/75ysdD5cvT pic.twitter.com/Ft4ynEO5BJ

— Gio Benitez (@GioBenitez) October 18, 2014

An image of Hurricane Gonzalo taken from the International Space Station by European Space Agency astronaut Alexander Gerst on Oct. 16, 2014 

Credit: Alexander Gerst/ESA/NASA

While we aren’t going to experience hurricane conditions (even if we are at the back end of National Curry Week) its going to be a wet and potentially very windy Tuesday morning, which the Met office warn, will impact the morning rush hour.

Gales of up to 60mph inland are forecast while some exposed coastal areas could see winds up to 70mph.

Met Office

The Met Office say:

‘The public should be aware of the potential for disruption to travel and possible damage to trees. Difficult driving conditions will result, perhaps exacerbated by surface water and spray in places.

This is an update of the warning first issued on Saturday, including adjustments to the areas at risk, and a slight increase to expected windspeeds, taking into account the latest information.’

The Met Office Chief Forecaster says:

“The remains of Hurricane Gonzalo are running across the Atlantic, reaching the UK on Monday night, bringing a period of strong winds to the UK. The strongest winds are expected on Tuesday as the low pressure clears eastwards; some uncertainty remains in peak windspeeds but there remains the potential for disruption to travel, especially as the strongest winds coincide with the morning rush hour in places. Fallen leaves impeding drainage increases the risk of surface water affecting roads, while some damage to trees is possible, given that many are still in full leaf.”

As if often the case when high winds hit the region, Flintshire bridge closes, we asked FCC this afternoon if there were plans in place to close the bridge, Stephen Jones, Chief Officer Streetscene and Transportation said,

“A decision will be made closer to the period of expected high winds, based on forecasts and local conditions which are recorded by monitoring equipment on the bridge.”

3 hours later…. update:

High winds expected overnight and wind speeds are being monitored. Flintshire Bridge likely to close overnight.

— Flintshire Council (@FlintshireCC) October 20, 2014

You can track to wind speed and direction using our favourite windy related website: http://earth.nullschool.net/