What we know about Storm Gerrit as thousands left without power

Thousands of homes were still without power on Friday in the wake of Storm Gerrit, with some questioning why weather warnings had not been more serious given the chaos caused by the weather.

About 1,500 homes in Scotland experienced their second night without power while a lightning strike hit supplies in Wales on Thursday. Power companies have said they hope remaining homes will be connected during Friday.

Three men died after their 4×4 vehicle was submerged in the River Esk, near Glaisdale, on Thursday, North Yorkshire Police said, while around 100 properties were damaged by what police called a “localised tornado” in Stalybridge, Tameside, and in the badly-hit village of Carrbrook.

Some questioned why more severe weather warnings had not been put in place, saying some areas had been blindsided by the extreme weather that exceeded the yellow warnings issued by the Met Office.

David Duguid, the Conservative MP for Banff and Buchan, wrote on X, formerly Twitter: "The effect of the weather in north-east Scotland in last 24 hours has felt far more serious than ‘yellow’. Many of my constituents asking why this wasn’t amber."

A Met Office spokesperson said the warnings would be looked at as part of a routine review. The spokesperson said: "As a matter of procedure we review the efficiency of all our warnings, therefore as part of our normal routine a review of this event (Storm Gerrit) will happen in the coming days."

Travel chaos caused by the storm continued on Friday, with train operators saying many lines had been reopened but urging people to check before they travelled. There was set to be significant disruption for travellers wishing to travel on the London Euston and Watford Junction lines, while in Wales, rail services are expected to be hampered until Monday.

Ferry services also experienced cancellations and delays due to storm activity with operator DFDS confirming sailings between Dover and France were delayed due to strong winds in the English Channel. Air travel in and out of the UK saw cancellations but most services have returned to normal.

The week has seen extreme weather across the country, with a major incident declared in the Scottish Highlands as “miles of vehicles” were left stuck in the snow on the A9, leaving motorists trapped in “very severe conditions".

Storm Gerrit also brought plenty of rain with the Great Langdale Valley in the Lake District recording 80mm – nearly half the usual 178mm monthly rainfall for December, the Met Office said. The fastest recorded wind gusts so far are 86mph at Inverbervie on the north-east coast of Scotland, 84mph at Fair Isle and 83mph at Capel Curig, north Wales, the forecaster said.

Storm Gerrit weather warnings and forecast for coming days

The Met Office said the "challenging conditions" brought by Storm Gerrit have now eased but Friday would continue to be blustery with showers, some heavy in parts. It said Saturday would see an area of low pressure move in from the west to affect Ireland and western parts of the UK, bringing a possible band of snow across some of the high ground of northern England and Scotland.

Met Office chief forecaster Steven Ramsdale said: "This system is likely to bring a range of weather including hill snow. Heavy rain will spread across all but the far north on Saturday affecting similar areas previously affected by Storm Gerrit. However, this rainfall will be a step down from that seen during Storm Gerrit."

Further into 2024, the Met Office said there was "low forecast confidence: Met Office deputy chief forecaster Nick Silkstone said: "Through to mid-January, there is a signal for a shift in the pattern compared to the winter so far, with more settled and colder-than-average conditions becoming increasingly likely."

Warnings to drivers

Drivers have been urged to exercise caution when planning journeys amid flooding and possible debris in roads.

Advice from the Met Office for people who feel they have to take to the roads includes choosing main roads, where you are less likely to be exposed to fallen branches and debris and flooding.

It says to use dipped headlights if visibility is seriously reduced, and to always grip the steering wheel with both hands, especially when overtaking, because "gusts of wind can unsettle vehicles".

The advice adds: "Keep an eye out for gaps between trees, buildings or bridges over a river or railway – these are some of the places you are more likely to be exposed to side winds. Ensure that you maintain enough room either side of your vehicle so you can account for it being blown sideways.

"Roads will be more slippery than usual in wet weather – be sure to give yourself more time to react when approaching a hazard. Increase your following gap to at least four seconds from the moving traffic in front."

Watch: Planes Wobble, Abort Landings at English Airport Amid Storm Pia Winds

Driving tips during a storm

As unsettled weather and the aftermath of Storm Gerrit continues, motorists are being told to expect difficult driving conditions as well as possible power cuts and flooded roads. While thunderstorms are not forecast for the coming days, if you do have to drive during a storm, here is the Met Office advice:

1. Wind up windows and stay inside your car.

2. Avoid soft-top convertibles, with their fabric roofs - they are most at risk and could catch fire if struck by lightning.

3. Be aware that electrical current can travel through other parts of many modern cars, including GPS and radio systems. Cars with metal interior handles, foot pedals and steering wheels can also carry current.

4. Cars can be damaged both internally and externally by lightning strikes.

5. Give vulnerable road users including cyclists, motorcyclists and pedestrians more room than usual.

6. Keep your speed down.

Recommended reading

• In pictures: Storm Pia causes festive travel chaos around UK (Yahoo News UK)

• Flight cancelled or delayed by Storm Pia? Here’s how to claim compensation (Telegraph)

• When are Christmas bin collections and what to do if your bin freezes? (Yahoo News UK)