http://www.express.co.uk/news/nature/439035/MEGASTORM-Devastating-100mph-winds-to-bring-48-hours-of-utter-hell-THIS-weekendMEGASTORM: Devastating 100mph winds to bring 48 hours of ‘utter hell’ THIS weekend
BRITAIN is on alert for the most powerful storm in decades.
By: Nathan Rao
Published: Sat, October 26, 2013
A huge storm is set to smash into Britain on Monday
The Met Office last night extended a severe weather warning, amid fears of hurricane-force winds of up to 100mph.
Forecaster Dan Williams said a “very serious situation” could trigger widespread destruction tomorrow going into Monday.
He urged against nonessential travel, saying: “We are looking at a very severe storm to hit the UK.”
The Government forecasters have not ruled out issuing a very rare red “take action” warning – reserved for the worst maximum severity storms – today or tomorrow.
The current Level 2 warning is for powerful and destructive winds on Monday across the South, including Wales, London, Devon, Cornwall, then up to Norfolk, East Anglia and on to the Midlands.
Gales are expected to reach 90mph while coastal areas could see gusts of more than 100mph.
The perfect storm is likely to start brewing in the coming hours as two weather systems collide over the Atlantic, said Mr Williams.
These and another band of warm air will be swept into the jet steam with the resulting volatile combination heading straight for the UK.
“We have all the ingredients coming together at once to trigger a very serious storm,” he warned.
Trees are likely to be uprooted, buildings could suffer structural damage and power failures are likely.
This is going to be a historic weather event. Although the south coast will bear the brunt, the whole country is at risk
Jonathan Powell
Widespread flooding is also feared and people are urged to stay away from seafronts, quaysides and jetties to avoid being swept off by overwhelming waves.
Mr Williams said: “There is strong evidence that something significant is going to happen, the track of the storm is currently across central England.”
The Met Office’s chief forecaster, Steve Willington, said: “This is a developing situation and we’d advise people to stay up to date with our forecasts and warnings.”
The AA last night urged motorists to drive with extreme caution and warned of “significant disruption”.
Darron Burness, head of the flood rescue team, said: “If the predicted storm strikes, the timing couldn’t really be worse, potentially causing significant travel disruption on Monday morning, which is one of the busiest times on the roads.
“Strong wind and torrential rain is an unpredictable and hazardous combination, which can be quite overwhelming when you’re driving.
“There’s likely to be tree and other debris on the roads as well potential flooding, so it’s very important to keep your speed down and drive with great care, particularly on country roads early on Monday morning when it’s still dark.”
Martin Hobbs, head of Asset Resilience at the Highways Agency, said: “Drivers, especially those considering a trip with a caravan this weekend, are encouraged to think carefully before setting off.
“Be aware of sudden gusts of wind, and give high-sided vehicles, caravans, motorbikes and bicycles plenty of space.
“In the event of persistent high winds we may need to close certain bridges to traffic, so please be alert for warnings of closures and follow signposted diversion routes.”
“Strong wind and torrential rain is an unpredictable and hazardous combination, which can be quite overwhelming when you’re driving.
“There’s likely to be tree and other debris on the roads as well potential flooding, so it’s very important to keep your speed down and drive with great care, particularly on country roads early on Monday morning when it’s still dark.”
Martin Hobbs, head of Asset Resilience at the Highways Agency, said: “Drivers, especially those considering a trip with a caravan this weekend, are encouraged to think carefully before setting off.
“Be aware of sudden gusts of wind, and give high-sided vehicles, caravans, motorbikes and bicycles plenty of space.
“In the event of persistent high winds we may need to close certain bridges to traffic, so please be alert for warnings of closures and follow signposted diversion routes.”
The Environment Agency said officials will be clearing streams and culverts today to minimise the risk of flooding and would respond to any reports of surface flooding.
Airports are urging passengers to check in for updates on their airline’s websites as flights could be delayed or cancelled.
A spokesman for Gatwick said contingency plans were already in place for a major weather event.
Jonathan Powell, forecaster for Vantage Weather Services, warned that this could be Britain’s worst storm for decades.
He said: “This storm is proceeding as we feared with the UK expected to take the full impact.
“Huge areas of the South will take the brunt of the onslaught with widespread 90mph gusts while coastal regions could see blasts of more than 100mph. This is truly a historic and very serious event, we are looking at a storm on a par with October 1987.
“It has the potential to cause utter, near nationwide devastation.”
The bad news is that although the worst will have passed by Tuesday, another stormy system is set to roar in as soon as Wednesday. “After this one there is another low pressure system set to barrel in,” said Mr Powell. “This is a significant week of very severe weather, people should be prepared.”
Leon Brown forecaster for The Weather Channel said heavy showers will heap further misery.
He said that ahead of tomorrow’s storm “will be a large band of moderate to heavy rain so Sunday night will become very wet with as much as 2.4in over south-west England and Wales. The persistent rain will swing up across northern England during Monday morning.
“The winds will ease down quit a bit for Tuesday and early Wednesday next week before increasing again let Wednesday."
Autumnal colours bring Cheshire country side to life
