Met Office warns 'damaging 75mph winds' set to batter UK within hours

National Highways stresses importance to plan journeys today

Steve Basterfield, National Network Manager at National Highways, said: “With the stormy weather being forecast, it is important to plan ahead for your journey, and if weather conditions become challenging, adjust your driving behaviour and take extra care.

“We have a section of our website dedicated to travelling amid storms, high winds and gales, and considerations for different types of vehicle, as part of our guide to travelling in severe weather. It’s also a good idea for people to check their vehicles, such as tyres, coolant and oil levels, before heading out to reduce the risk of breakdowns.”

Stein Connelly from Transport Scotland said: “Storm Agnes is the first storm of the year and it’s expected to bring some disruption to the transport network, so we’d ask people who are looking to travel to plan their journeys ahead of time.

“Traffic Scotland will have regular updates on the trunk road network on it’s webpage - my.trafficscotland.org – and via its twitter/X account, including details of ‘wind based’ closures for the major bridges around the country.

“The conditions could also lead to disruption on other modes of transport, so if you’re planning to travel by train, ferry or air, you should check with your operator to see if your service is affected.”

Weather maps show the intensity of the storm

Weather maps seen by Mirror show just how intense Storm Agnes is expected to be, particularly across Northern Ireland and Ireland.

The darker blue hue denotes strongest wind speeds and the centre - or eye - of the storm is expected in the middle of the swirling lines, known as isobars.

The narrower the isobars, the more intense the storm is expected to be.

Tips to stop windscreen freezing and prevent blades from sticking to window

The darker the blue hue, the stronger the wind speeds (WXChart)

UK set for balmy weekend with temperatures hitting 23C highs

Brits are set to be hit by high winds and torrential rain over the coming days but temperatures remain mild and could rise to 23C by the weekend.

On Wednesday when the UK is expecting to receive the worst of the conditions from Storm Agnes it is likely to be unseasonably mild with temperatures in the high teens or low 20Cs. And it is a similar picture over the weekend where sunshine for the south east of England could see the mercury rise to 23C.

The Met Office forecast for the start of October states: "Sunday will bring a day of sunshine and showers with brisk winds, strongest in the north, with lighter winds further south. This autumnal trend of changeable conditions is set to continue through the first half of this period.

"However, with time, it looks like we will see lengthier drier spells between Atlantic frontal systems later into the period, perhaps more so further south and east. By way of contrast, areas further north and west will probably remain more unsettled with occasional rain and stronger winds at times.

"There is a chance of a more widely settled spell towards the end of the period, potentially bringing drier conditions further north, Temperatures likely to be above average, with a chance of chilly nights accompanied by mist or fog patches in settled conditions."

Flooding fears with 12 alerts as UK prepares to be hit by torrential rain

Heavy rain from Storm Agnes could lead to flooding with 12 alerts in place across the UK.

There are eight in Scotland which run from the south west to the north east and four in England, with two in the south west, one near Oxford and a further in the Lake District.

The Scottish Environment Protection Agency (Sepa) said the storm could cause flooding. Sepa flood duty manager David Morgan said: “Flooding impacts are possible, particularly in south-west and central areas (of Scotland). Along the south-west coast, we may see wave overtopping and flooding of causeways, promenades, properties and roads.

“Impacts are expected to be localised and around high tide. We may also see minor flooding impacts from surface water and rivers. Flood alerts and warnings are being issued as necessary and we continue to work with the Met Office to monitor the situation 24/7.”

‘Don’t risk your life by going close to the sea’ warns the RNLI

Storm Agnes is set to cause “dangerous conditions” on the coasts around the UK and people should not go close to the sea, warned the RNLI.

Gusts of winds possibly reaching 80mph are a possibility on Wednesday with the west coast of the UK worst affected.

RNLI water safety partner Sam Hughes said: “The RNLI advises staying a safe distance away from the water and cliff edges as the conditions could knock you off your feet or wash you into the sea. It is not worth risking your life.

“If you see someone else in danger in the water, call 999 or 112 and ask for the Coastguard. If you have something that floats that they can hold on to, throw it to them. Don’t go in the water yourself – you may end up in difficulty too.”

(Jonathan Buckmaster)

Met Office says Storm Agnes is “intensifying quickly”

Storm Agnes is “intensifying quickly” and will hit the UK and Ireland with damaging winds and big stormy seas, stated the Met Office.

Meteorologist Tom Morgan said: “Storm Agnes is now very much intensifying quickly about 1,000 miles or so away from the south-west of England, in the Atlantic Ocean, and it’s moving quickly north-eastwards towards the UK.”

He said the storm’s main impact will be strong winds and large waves. “We are likely to potentially see some damaging winds, the possibility of some brief power interruptions, particularly in Irish sea coastal areas," he continued.

“So Northern Ireland, north-west England, west Wales, and south-west Scotland, that’s where we’ll probably see gusts of up to 75mph tomorrow afternoon, tomorrow evening, that’s when the peak of the winds will be and then Storm Agnes will move across Scotland clearing away from Shetland through Thursday morning.”

He added: “In addition to the winds, there’s going to be some large waves as well, so some big stormy seas, and therefore there might well be some coastal flooding where the waves break on to promenades and on to coastal roads.”.

Met Office shows areas that may be hit by 80mph winds from Storm Agnes

Brits can see how strong the winds are going to hit in your area with a Met Office image as Storm Agnes could bring 80mph gusts.

Met Office forecaster Alex Burkill said: “This graphic also shows where we are going to get the strongest winds. So just to highlight it, the white area, yes it will be blustery, breezy here, but it’s not going to be as windy as elsewhere. And we’re not expecting any major impacts.

“In this green area it will be a windy day, we’re talking gusts of 35-40mph, perhaps coastal areas could see gusts of 50 but again that is not too exceptional. In the blue area that’s where we’re going to start to see the stronger gusts so 45 to 60. Perhaps 50 to 65mph around those coastal areas.

“But it’s this purple area, so southwestern parts of Scotland, far northern and eastern parts of Northern Ireland, around Cumbria, the Isle of Man and also far western parts of Wales, that’s where we’re most likely to see the very strong winds of 65 to 75mph, perhaps even up to 80mph for a time.”

How will #StormAgnes affect the UK?

Watch our latest Deep Dive in which @WeatherAlex shows which areas will experience the strongest winds

— Met Office (@metoffice) September 26, 2023

Met Eireann warns of 'severe and damaging gusts' as well as flooding for Ireland

Ireland has a Status Orange alert, the second highest warning by the national weather agency, over Storm Agnes.

The storm is approaching Ireland and the UK from the Atlantic with the full force from the winds set to hit tomorrow.

Met Eireann, the national forecaster, said: "The rest of Tuesday will be mostly cloudy with scattered showers. Some of the showers will turn heavy and thundery. Highest temperatures of 15C to 18C in a moderate to fresh and gusty southwesterly wind.

"Storm Agnes will track northwards over Ireland on Wednesday with disruption likely in places. It will be wet and very windy with outbreaks of heavy rain extending nationwide with the likelihood of some spot flooding. Becoming extremely windy or stormy for a time in the east and south with the potential for severe and damaging gusts. Strong onshore winds and high seas will bring the risk of coastal flooding on eastern and southern coasts. Highest temperatures of 14C to 17C with strong to gale force southeast winds, veering westerly later in the day.

"Storm Agnes will clear away towards Scotland on Wednesday night but it will remain rather unsettled for the remainder of the week."

'Violent winds' are developing from Storm Agnes, warns Met Office

The UK could face "violent winds" from Storm Agnes due to a "rapid fall of pressure", warned the Met Office.

Brits are facing yellow weather warnings tomorrow and Thursday for heavy rain and strong winds that could reach up to 80mph.

And now the Met Office has said that an "explosive cyclogenesis" could lead to "violent winds developing". It tweeted: "#StormAgnes is now undergoing 'explosive cyclogenesis' This occurs when there's a rapid fall of pressure inside the centre of the low pressure and can lead to violent winds developing."

#StormAgnes is now undergoing 'explosive cyclogenesis'

This occurs when there's a rapid fall of pressure inside the centre of the low pressure and can lead to violent winds developing

Find out more here https://t.co/fJIUMCGDoZ pic.twitter.com/UM0j0bThUF

— Met Office (@metoffice) September 26, 2023

Met Office warns of 'very strong winds' in weather update

The Met Office has warned of "very strong winds" in a weather update.

The UK is set to be battered by heavy rain from Storm Agnes with winds possibly hitting 80mph on Wednesday.

An updated forecast from the Met Office states for the rest of Tuesday: "Largely dry with clear spells and light winds across the south, with some mist and fog patches forming here and there. Showers continuing in the north but becoming mostly dry after midnight. Winds strengthening across the far west by dawn."

And then looking further ahead says: "Wednesday could see some disruption due to heavy rain and very strong winds, with the arrival of Storm Agnes. Drier, with lighter winds in the southeast. Temperatures above normal.

"Winds easing a little but staying unsettled on Thursday with overnight rain. Becoming dry on Friday, and staying mostly dry until Saturday night."

Gale force winds may hit this evening from Storm Agnes, says Met Office

Brits could face gale force winds this evening before the brunt of Storm Agnes hits with possibly 80mph winds.

Met Office forecast Greg Dewhurst said: “For the rest of today we’ve got showery rain pushing eastwards across parts of Scotland, it could be heavy at times, maybe thundery. Elsewhere a mixture of sunny spells and scattered showers.

“Showers again on the heavy side for Northern Ireland and northern England, fewer and further between further south. There is a brisk south westerly wind already so gusts could reach gale force along some western coasts. That does mean the showers should move through fairly quickly.”

The brunt of the first named storm of the season will affect western regions of the UK and Ireland on Wednesday, with the most powerful winds expected on the Irish Sea coasts. Gusts of up to 80mph are possible in some places, with inland areas forecast to see gusts of 50 to 60mph.

(PA)

Met Office update on Storm Agnes' whereabouts

The Met Office has given an update on the whereabouts and intensity of Storm Agnes.

It is currently 300 miles north of Terceira, Azores, and the Met Office says it is to “rapidly intensify” before making landfall on our shores tomorrow.

It is currently tracking to hit Ireland first before moving to Northern Ireland.

Currently around 300 miles north of the island of Terceira, Azores, #StormAgnes will rapidly intensify during he next 18 hours as it moves towards the UK#Agnes will bring strong and disruptive winds to some areas on Wednesday afternoon and overnight into Thursday pic.twitter.com/XJgyaKQbaZ

— Met Office (@metoffice) September 26, 2023

Warnings of flooding when Storm Agnes hits

Ahead of tomorrow’s expected disruption, the Scottish Environment Protection Agency (SEPA) has warned of the dangers of flooding in some areas.

Flood duty manager David Morgan said: "Flooding impacts are possible, particularly in south-west and central areas (of Scotland). Along the south-west coast, we may see wave overtopping and flooding of causeways, promenades, properties and roads.

"Impacts are expected to be localised and around high tide. We may also see minor flooding impacts from surface water and rivers. Flood Alerts and Warnings are being issued as necessary and we continue to work with the Met Office to monitor the situation 24/7."

List of warnings in full

The Met Office has issued a yellow wind weather warning from midday on Wednesday to 7am on Thursday, stretching across Scotland, Northern Ireland and Wales. Here are all the areas affected, and when.

The following regions have yellow alerts in place for strong winds from 3pm on Wednesday until 7am on Thursday.

• South West England
• Wales
• Birmingham and the West Midlands
• Nottingham and the East Midlands
• Yorkshire and North Lincolnshire
• Manchester and the North West
• North East England
• Scotland
• Northern Ireland

There are two further warnings in place for rain in South West Scotland and for Argyll, Perth and parts of Aberdeenshire on Wednesday afternoon.

The yellow warning for rain is in addition to one already in place for wind (Met Office)

Storm Agnes will cause "dangerous conditions" at sea - RNLI

The Royal National Lifeboat Institution (RNLI) has warned the forecasted storm is likely to cause "dangerous conditions" on the coasts around the UK and Ireland.

RNLI water safety partner Sam Hughes said: "The RNLI advises staying a safe distance away from the water and cliff edges as the conditions could knock you off your feet or wash you into the sea. It is not worth risking your life. If you see someone else in danger in the water, call 999 or 112 and ask for the Coastguard. If you have something that floats that they can hold on to, throw it to them. Don't go in the water yourself - you may end up in difficulty too."

The RNLI has warned about the dangers at sea in the coming days (PA)

Met Office forecasts winds to reach gale force this afternoon

The Met Office is forecasting potentially gale force winds in parts of the UK this afternoon - BEFORE Storm Agnes arrives.

Meteorologist Greg Dewhurst, referring to charts from around 4pm on Tuesday, said: "There is a brisk southwesterly wind so gusts could reach gale force around some western coasts. That does mean the showers should move through fairly quickly."

The Beaufort wind scale says gale force are sustained winds of up 46mph, with the potential for branches to break from trees and walking made "difficult". It adds that in coastal areas large waves could form.

A woman walks over Millennium Bridge during strong wind (PA)

Bands of heavy showers, perhaps with thunder, this afternoon

The Met Office is forcasting potential thunder this afternoon.

In a tweet, it said: "Bands of heavy showers, perhaps with local thunder, will cross the country this afternoon, becoming more scattered in nature later."

It went on to say there would also be "some sunnier spells for many and still quite warm in the south", adding: "Rather windy in the northwest at first."

Bands of heavy showers, perhaps with local thunder, will cross the country this afternoon, becoming more scattered in nature later

Some sunnier spells for many and still quite warm in the south,

Rather windy in the northwest at first pic.twitter.com/TwckVZ511a

— Met Office (@metoffice) September 26, 2023

Mini heatwave hopes with 24C to last for eight days in October

The UK could be heading into autumn with an unseasonal mini heatwave as Brits look set to bask in balmy temperatures of up to 24C - but will face Storm Agnes first.

The eight-day October Indian summer could bring a warm blast, some weather maps have indicated. The first few days of the month will see the mercury hover around the early to mid-20s, postponing any plans for a chilly autumnal walk for at least a week.

Despite some cold nights, forecasters have forecast "above average" temperatures for this time of year next week. It follows a humid heatwave across swathes of the country earlier this month which saw thermometers hit 33C - warmer than June's top temperature.

Click here to read the full story

People enjoying hot weather on Primrose Hill in London (PA)

When are the weather warnings in place?

The Met Office has issued a series of weather warnings for rain and wind ahead of Storm Agnes.

Yellow weather warnings for rain have been issued for parts of Scotland between 9pm on Wednesday and 6am on Thursday, while a yellow warning for wind covers much of the UK expect the South East between noon on Wednesday and 7am on Thursday.

Rain and wind warnings are in place tomorrow (Met Office)

Centenary Square in Birmingham during a rainy morning

A cyclist travels through Centenary Square in Birmingham during a rainy morning (PA)

Thunder on the cards for parts of UK

Ahead of Storm Agnes, the Met Office is forecasting thunder for some parts of the UK.

The North West, the Midlands, Wales and the South West could all see thundery showers striking today.

Just stepping outside for the commute to work or school run?

Here's the forecast for the next few hours - you may want to grab your umbrella and coat! pic.twitter.com/CaSzhk3KlC

— Met Office (@metoffice) September 26, 2023

Forecasts by region ahead of Storm Agnes

Storm Agnes is set to hit certain areas of the UK harder than others, with parts of the country still expected to see 23C.

Torrential rain, strong winds and thunder are on the cards as Britain barrels into a mixed bag in early autumn.

Click here for the full regional breakdown over the next couple of days.

Indian Summer forecast for UK after major storm

Weather maps show parts of the UK could hit 22C today, despite the uncertainty around Storm Agnes - and that might be followed by an Indian summer next week.

British Weather Services' senior meteorological consultant Jim Dale previously told the Mirror "a taste of an Indian summer is currently on the cards" in the aftermath of storm, due to batter the UK until Thursday.

But the unseasonal heatwave to come could "last from Saturday to the following Tuesday", continued Mr Dale.

He added: "It'll mainly cover South-East England, with 23 or 24C possible at the upper limits."

Click here to read the full story

Temperatures could reach 22C today (Met Office)

Hotter than average temperatures for late September

Parts of the UK saw unseasonably warm temperatures yesterday, with highs of 23.4C in the south.

That's 3-5C above the late September average.

And despite the incoming chaos of Storm Agnes, that might not change too much.

The Met Office said in a tweet: "Not quite as warm through the rest of the week due to the wind and rain, but temperatures will stay above average."

London, for example, is expected to peak at 22C this afternoon and 21C tomorrow.

What a warm day it's been for early autumn!

Temperatures have been some 3-5°C above the late-September average

Not quite as warm through the rest of the week due to the wind and rain, but temperatures will stay above average pic.twitter.com/vbnguaKBy7

— Met Office (@metoffice) September 25, 2023

Weather maps show front moving in

Met Office weather maps show the incoming weather front.

Storm Agnes is set to strike in a matter of hours (Met Office)

'Precise track and depth' of Storm Agnes remains unclear

Strong winds and heavy rain are set to batter the UK as Agnes, the first named storm of the season, sweeps across the country on Wednesday and Thursday, the Met Office said.

Met Office chief meteorologist Steve Ramsdale said: "While the precise track and depth of Storm Agnes is still being determined, there's a high likelihood of wind gusts around 50 to 60mph for some inland areas. Exposed coastal areas could see gusts of 65-75mph with a small chance of a few places seeing around 80mph.

"As well as some very strong winds for many, Storm Agnes will also bring some heavy rain, with the highest totals more likely in Scotland, northern England, Wales and Northern Ireland. Around 60mm of rain is possible in a few places over high ground in Scotland."

Four flood alerts in place

Four flood alerts are currently in place across the UK this morning.

The Environment Agency has issued three alerts in England, while the Scottish Environment Protection Agency has one in place.

Multiple flood alerts are in place (PA)

Danger to life warning

The Met Office has issued yellow rain and wind warnings starting from midday on Wednesday ahead of Storm Agnes.

Strong winds are expected to move northeast tomorrow, with the chance they could be significantly disruptive.

The weather agency adds: "There is a small chance of injuries and danger to life from flying debris."

See the full details of the warnings here.

People walk through the rain and wet weather in Victoria, London (PA)

That's all for tonight...

Thank you for following the Mirror's weather coverage ahead of Storm Agnes's arrival. Come back on Tuesday morning for the very latest updates.

UK set for mild temperatures above average despite storms

Brits will face a mild week despite heavy rain and strong winds from Storm Agnes.

The Met Office has issued weather warnings with gales possibly getting up to 80mph along with the heavy showers. But the mercury is not expected to drop too much with the temperatures remaining above average for the time of year.

It has been a warm start to the week and it could reach 23C again on Tuesday while it is not expected to drop more than a few degrees during the storms.

The Met Office tweeted: “What a warm day it's been for early autumn! Temperatures have been some 3-5°C above the late-September average. Not quite as warm through the rest of the week due to the wind and rain, but temperatures will stay above average.”