Storm Ali -  the first storm to be named by the Met Office and Met Éireann this season - is bringing very strong winds to Northern Ireland, Scotland, northern England and parts of North Wales today (Wednesday 19 September 2018). A wind gust of 91 mph has already been recorded in Killowen in County Down in Northern Ireland, the strongest wind gust in September in Northern Ireland in records since the 1970’s.

Met Office Chief Meteorologist Laura Paterson said: “Amber and Yellow National Severe Weather Warnings are in place until this evening (Wednesday) warning of the danger of impacts from the strong winds associated with Storm Ali. The strongest winds will gradually ease from the west through this afternoon as Storm Ali moves quickly off north-eastwards, reaching the Norwegian Sea this evening. Through Thursday another area of low pressure will develop and approach the UK from the southwest, bringing rain and second spell of strong winds later on Thursday”.

A Yellow National Severe Weather Warning for rain has been issued for Wales and parts of northern England for this second low-pressure system covering most of tomorrow (Thursday). The rain is likely to be heaviest across parts of Wales and northwest England. There is also a yellow National Severe Weather Warning in place for wind covering much of England and Wales through Thursday evening into Friday morning.  Strong winds are likely to develop across parts of Wales and southwest England during tomorrow evening before spreading further eastwards across England overnight.

Highways England’s Head of Road Safety, Richard Leonard, said: “We’re encouraging drivers to check the latest weather and travel conditions before setting off on journeys. If you do intend to travel, then plan your journey and take extra care, allowing more time for your journey.

“In high winds, there’s a particular risk to lorries, caravans and motorbikes so we’d advise drivers of these vehicles to slow down. Drivers of other vehicles should be aware of sudden gusts of wind which can affect handling and braking, and give high-sided vehicles, caravans, and motorbikes plenty of space.”

Another low-pressure system may bring yet another spell of wet and windy weather across parts of the UK during Sunday. However, quieter conditions are currently expected to follow from early next week.

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