Exact date Storm Ashley set to batter UK as severe weather warning issued ahead of winds of up to 80mph

By Flaminia Luck

Storm Ashley is set to bring stormy weather - including heavy rain and winds of up to 80mph - to the UK after it crosses the Atlantic Ocean.

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Ashley is the first named storm of the 2024/25 season.

The low pressure area will see jet stream winds approaching 200mph on Saturday as it crosses the Atlantic and heads towards the UK and Ireland.

The Irish Meteorological Servicesaid the low pressure area started off the coast of Newfoundland (Canada) and will undergo a period of deepening as it tracks towards Iceland by Friday night.

As it heads westwards, this will bring damaging winds, most likely in the northern and western areas through Sunday and possibly into Monday.

The forecaster said this could bring disruption and has warned motorists to be careful driving during high winds due to potentially "hazardous" conditions.

The Met Office added that a windy period is expected across the whole of the UK on Sunday and into Monday.

A yellow weather warning for wind has also been issued from 3am on Sunday until Monday midday.

Across parts of Scotland, Northern Ireland, Northwest England and North West Wales there is an increased chance of some disruption from Storm Ashley.

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The Irish Meteorological Service said on it will become very windy on Sunday.

"Rain will clear quickly to the northeast on Sunday morning to leave a day of sunny spells and blustery showers. More persistent rain will return to some western and northern areas during the afternoon with a few thunderstorms possible.

"Strong to gale force southwest winds will bring the potential for some disruption, especially in Atlantic coastal areas. There'll be the ongoing risk of coastal flooding due to a combination of high seas and spring tides."

They added that 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 likely turn southwesterly, with a period of especially strong winds possible during Sunday afternoon and evening in 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 may cause some disruption.

The Met Office has offered advice for high winds including securing loose outdoor items such as bins, garden furniture, trampolines, tents, sheds, and fences.

Ahead of possible pwer cuts, they also advised gathering torches and batteries, mobile phone power packs and other essential items.

"If you are on the coast, stay safe during stormy weather by being aware of large waves. Even from the shore large breaking waves can sweep you off your feet and out to sea.

"Take care if walking near cliffs; know your route and keep dogs on a lead. In an emergency, call 999 and ask for the Coastguard," they added.

Tony Wisson is a Deputy Chief Meteorologist at the Met Office and said: “This low-pressure system is not expected to develop until Friday near the coast of Canada, so at this stage there is still a lot of uncertainty about the strength and track of this system as it interacts with the jet stream over the weekend.

"It’s likely that parts of Ireland will see impacts from this before the UK though. 

“At present, a windy period is expected across the whole of the UK on Sunday and into Monday, but across parts of Scotland, Northern Ireland, Northwest England and North West Wales, there is an increased chance of some disruption.

“Initially a period of strong south to southeasterly winds will likely develop through Sunday morning, with gusts of 50-60mph possible in some inland areas, especially Northern Ireland and western Scotland, and perhaps up to 60-70mph along exposed coasts and hills.  

“Winds will then likely turn southwesterly, with a period of especially strong winds possible during Sunday afternoon and evening in western Scotland, where gusts could potentially reach 70-80mph in exposed areas, and more generally 55-65mph in other parts of the warning area.

"These strong winds in conjunction with high spring tides, may cause some disruption. 

"It’s likely that Sunday’s wind warning will be updated and refined as confidence increases, and more warnings for the rainfall that is expected is likely. It is therefore important people stay up to date with the latest forecast.”

'Hazardous'

RAC Breakdown spokesperson Alice Simpson said: “This latest bout of stormy autumnal weather is likely to make driving conditions hazardous this weekend, especially for drivers in the north and west of the UK.  

“Strong winds will demand motorists keep a good grip of the steering wheel and allow plenty of space between themselves and the vehicle in front, so they are able to react quickly to whatever they see up ahead.

"We also strongly advise avoiding exposed routes, especially those close to coasts that are likely to see the biggest effects from the gusts and where particularly high spring tides could lead to some roads becoming flooded."