Met Office upgrades weather warning as Storm Antoni set to batter …

The Met Office has upgraded a weather warning from yellow to amber as Storm Antoni gets set to batter Wales this weekend. The storm, which is “forecast to bring unseasonably strong winds and heavy rain to the UK on Saturday”, is predicted to be more severe than expected.

It is in place for a 12-hour period between 8am and 8pm, and its forecast for Saturday’s weather predicts a wet day with “outbreaks of rain and showers, heavy at times and most persistent in the north, gusty throughout with severe coastal gales possible for southern counties.” Winds could reach up to 50 miles per hour.

The Met Office’s definition of an amber weather warning reads: “There is an increased likelihood of impacts from severe weather, which could potentially disrupt your plans. This means there is the possibility of travel delays, road and rail closures, power cuts and the potential risk to life and property. You should think about changing your plans and taking action to protect yourself and your property. You may want to consider the impact of the weather on your family and your community and whether there is anything you need to do ahead of the severe weather to minimise the impact.” You can

Chief meteorologist Steve Willington said: “Storm Antoni will bring some potentially disruptive weather on Saturday as it moves from west to east. Northern Ireland is likely to see some of the highest rainfall totals, with 40-60mm falling in some spots, but 20-30mm more widely. Away from the warning area many will still see a very wet day, especially in north Wales and north England.

“Storm Antoni will also bring strong winds to a swathe of Wales, southwest England and southern coastal areas of England. The strongest winds will affect parts southwest England and southwest Wales where exposed coasts and high ground could see gusts in excess of 60mph. In these areas, gusts inland could reach 50-55mph for a time. These windy conditions will likely coincide with high tides which will present an additional challenge for coastal areas. Busy travel networks at this time of year and the possibility of people having made plans to be outside have resulted in the system meeting our criteria for naming, with a strong chance of disruption for those within the warning areas.”

References

1. ^{^} weather (www.walesonline.co.uk)
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3. ^{^} Weekend weather is going to be so bad Met Office gives it a name (www.walesonline.co.uk)