Storm Ashley named as Met Office warns of 'severe gales' in the North East this weekend
Severe Amber and Yellow weather warnings have been issued for large parts of the UK and Ireland with strong winds posing a 'danger to life'
by Catherine Addison-Swan · ChronicleLiveThe North East will be battered by strong winds and downpours this weekend according to the latest weather forecast as the latest named storm sweeps the UK and Ireland.
Storm Ashley has been named by Irish weather service Met Éireann, with a deep area of low pressure expected to make a widespread impact on Sunday, October 20 and Monday, October 21. Yellow weather warnings for wind have already been issued for all of Scotland, Northern Ireland and Ireland as well as parts of Wales, while a severe Amber warning is in force for "danger to life" gales across western Scotland on Sunday.
At the time of writing the weather warnings stop just short of Northumberland and there are none in place for the North East, but the Met Office has urged people to keep up to date with the latest forecast as further warnings may be issued before Storm Ashley hits. Following a "dry and bright" day on Saturday, the region will see the impact of the storm on Sunday with "gales or severe gales and a spell of heavy rain" expected.
Met Office Deputy Chief Meteorologist Tony Wisson said: "Storm Ashley will bring strong winds for most of the UK on Sunday before it clears on Monday, with a chance of some disruption across parts of Scotland, Northern Ireland, Northwest England and West Wales.
"A period of especially strong winds are expected on Sunday afternoon and evening in western Scotland, where gusts could potentially reach 70-80mph in exposed areas and an Amber warning for winds has been issued here. More generally 50-60 mph are possible in some inland areas in other parts of the warning area, especially Northern Ireland and western Scotland, and perhaps up to 60-70 mph along exposed coasts and hills."
He added: "These strong winds in conjunction with high spring tides, may cause some disruption. It is important that people stay up to date with the latest forecast and our warnings."
Furthermore, Transport Scotland warned that the storm is expected to cause "widespread disruption" on the roads, while ferry services, trains and flights could also be impacted with delays and cancellations possible. "Passengers should certainly check with their operator, and with some families off enjoying the October school holidays, we would advise them to play close attention to any cross-border travel updates too," advised Head of Transport Resilience Ashleigh Robson.
Winds will ease as Storm Ashley pulls away to the east on Monday, October 21, leaving a mix of sunny spells and scattered showers for many areas, the Met Office said. The North East is expected to see lingering windy conditions and isolated showers on Monday, and further bands of showers on Tuesday.
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