Yahoo News Storm Diana: Met Office issues weather warnings as severe gales and heavy rain batter Britain
After strong winds and downpours lashed the country on Wednesday, the Met Office has issued a weather warning as Storm Diana continues its march.
Gusts of over 50mph are expected this morning, while the forecaster said that 65mph may be reached in more exposed locations.
A yellow weather warning has now been put in place for much of the country – meaning the wet and windy weather may prove to be disruptive, especially for commuters.
There’s some nasty driving conditions in places for this morning’s commute, with outbreaks of heavy rain combined with strong to gale force winds. Weather warnings are in force https://t.co/bMaCg01Yle #weatheraware pic.twitter.com/ltxkZAXKFQ
— Met Office (@metoffice) November 29, 2018
The Met Office said: “Inland gusts of 50 mph are likely with gusts of around 65 mph in exposed locations around Wales and western England.
“There remains a very small chance that this system will intensify as it moves northeastwards bringing even stronger winds to southwest England, Wales and on into northern England and southeast Scotland.
“If this occurs, gusts of 70-80 mph could be seen, mainly in exposed locations.”
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The forecaster added that the rain will move northeastwards before brighter conditions and showers following later on.
The wind is set to ease as the day progresses, with temperatures remaining mild.
The AA have issued advice for drivers travelling in the wintry conditions.
George Flinton of the AA said: “Heavy rain and strong wind, coupled with commuting home in the dark, can make for some very hazardous driving conditions.
“Check the travel news before you set off and take particular care where roads dip, for example under railway bridges, which are more likely to flood.
“If the road ahead is flooded, don’t chance it – flood water can be deceptively deep, so turn around and find another route.”
Met Office spokesman Richard Miles said Storm Diana, named by Portuguese authorities, ‘had quite an impact on islands in the Atlantic’, but had weakened as it travelled towards the UK.
He explained: “By the time it got to us it would not meet the criteria for us to name it.”
The last Met Office named storm was Callum, which battered parts of the UK in mid-October. The next name to be used will be Deirdre.
