Storm Ciara: Flights cancelled as UK braces for gales
Travel disruption is expected on Sunday, with weather warnings issued across the UK. …
Image copyright PA Media Airlines have cancelled dozens of domestic and international flights as Storm Ciara approaches the UK.
Severe weather warnings have been issued for the weekend, with strong winds of up to 80mph and widespread heavy rain expected.
Several rail firms have urged passengers not to travel and say they will operate reduced timetables and speed restrictions on Sunday.
Ferry passengers also face disruption, as operators cancel some services.
Heathrow Airport announced it had taken the joint decision with its airline partners to “consolidate” Sunday’s flight schedule in a bid to minimise the number of flights cancelled.
British Airways said it is offering flexible rebooking options for all customers on domestic and European flights flying to and from London Heathrow, London Gatwick and London City on Sunday.
Virgin Atlantic has posted a number of cancelled flights on its website.
High winds with gusts of up to 70mph have already caused travel disruption in Scotland and several bridges have been closed to high-sided vehicles.
Gusts of up to 70mph and hail have already hit the west coast of Scotland.
The Met Office said the current wet and windy weather is “the prelude” to Storm Ciara.
An amber warning for wind is in place across much of England and Wales from 08:00 until 21:00 GMT on Sunday. The Met Office advises wind-blown debris and large waves could pose a danger to life.
Yellow weather warnings now cover the whole UK and an amber warning for rain is in place in parts of Scotland, meaning homes and businesses are likely to be flooded and some communities could be cut off by impassable roads..
The heaviest rain expected over high ground where 50-70mm is expected, with as much as 100mm in a few locations.
Paul Knightley, senior meteorologist at MeteoGroup, said 70mph gusts had been recorded on the west coast of Scotland, with hail and wet snow falling on the Western Isles.
Wind speeds were expected to increase across Northern Ireland, Scotland, northern England and Wales during Saturday, before high winds reach the rest of the UK in the early hours of Sunday morning.
Gusts of 50-60mph are expected quite widely across inland areas as the storm passes over the UK, reaching 80mph in coastal areas – particularly in south-east England and northern Scotland.
The Met Office’s yellow weather warning for wind – meaning travel disruption is likely – came into place at midday on Saturday.
It means people across the UK should expect travel delays and power cuts, as well as large waves along coastal roads and sea fronts.
At 00:00 GMT on Sunday, the yellow warning for wind extends to all of the UK for 24 hours, with warnings for rain in Northern Ireland, south-west Scotland, the north of England and much of Wales.
Getty Images
YellowSevere weather possible, plan ahead, travel may be disrupted
AmberIncreased likelihood of impact, eg travel delays, power cuts
Source: Met Office
Network Rail has imposed a blanket speed restriction of 50mph across the network on Sunday, warning passengers to only travel by train that day “if absolutely necessary”.
It said there was the potential for damage to overhead lines and tracks caused by debris or fallen trees.
Avanti West Coast, London North Eastern Railway and South Western Railway were among the train companies which said customers with tickets for Sunday would also be able to use them on some services on Saturday or Monday.
Grand Central cancelled all its services on the East Coast Main Line on Sunday.
Other effects of the storm include:
- The London Winter Run 10k – due to be attended by 25,000 runners – was cancelled
- London’s eight Royal Parks, which include Hyde Park and Regent’s Park, will close on Sunday
- RHS Garden Wisley will close on Sunday
- Humber Bridge warning of possible closure to all traffic on Sunday
- P&O has cancelled seven ferries because of conditions in the Irish Sea
In January, Storm Brendan swept into the UK, leading to power cuts and travel disruption in parts of the UK.
This year’s storm names have already been chosen, with Dennis due to be the name for the next storm.
Have you been affected by Storm Ciara? Share your experiences by emailing haveyoursay@bbc.co.uk.
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