Danger to life 'likely' as Storm Ashley set to batter country, Met Office warns

Cumbria is set to be hit by strong winds tomorrow
-Credit: (Image: Reach Publishing Services Limited)


Injuries and danger to life are likely as 80mph are set to batter much of the UK this weekend.

Storm Ashley is set to wreak havoc on much of the country, the first named storm of the season, the Met Office warns. The entirety of Scotland, Northern Ireland and Northern England, including Cumbria, tomorrow (Sunday, October 20) will see a yellow weather warning for wind.

This means a strong spell of winds from the storm could bring disruption tomorrow, including damage to buildings and power cuts. Injuries and danger to life could also occur as large waves and beach material could be thrown onto sea fronts, coastal roads and properties.

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Some roads and bridges may close in the wake of the disruption, as well as public transport services being effected. The Met Office states: "Storm Ashley will bring a windy period across the whole of the UK on Sunday and into Monday, and there is an increased chance of disruption across parts of Scotland, Northern Ireland, northwest England and northwest Wales.

"Initially a period of strong south to southeasterly winds will likely develop through Sunday morning, with gusts of 50-60 mph possible in some inland areas, especially Northern Ireland and western Scotland, and perhaps up to 60-70 mph along exposed coasts and hills. Winds will then turn southwesterly, with a period of especially strong winds possible during Sunday afternoon and evening across western Scotland where gusts could potentially reach 70-80 mph in exposed areas, and more generally 55-65 mph in other parts of the warning area.

"These strong winds in conjunction with high spring tides and large waves may cause some disruption." The yellow weather warning is in place from 3am until 11.59pm tomorrow, effecting much of Cumbria.

Advice from the Met Office in dealing with the adverse weather conditions includes protecting your property and people from injury, check road conditions, prepare for power cuts and keep up to date with ongoing weather forecasts.

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