After Storm Eowyn’s devastation, the UK braces for more severe weather with heavy rain and strong winds.
The UK is facing continued stormy weather as the remnants of Storm Herminia, following the havoc caused by Storm Eowyn, move towards the country. The Met Office has issued new weather warnings for heavy rain and wind across parts of England and Wales, adding to the challenges faced after the weekend’s extreme conditions.
Storm Eowyn, which battered the UK with hurricane-force winds, left a trail of destruction, with wind speeds reaching a record-breaking 114mph. As a result, there were two fatalities, and extensive damage, including widespread power outages. However, the weather is not expected to calm just yet, as Storm Herminia, named by meteorologists in Spain, brings further adverse weather to the region.
A yellow warning for rain has been issued for large parts of Wales and some areas of the West Midlands, with the risk of flooding to roads and properties. The Met Office predicts between 20mm and 40mm of rain, with up to 60mm possible in higher regions, lasting until 9pm on Tuesday. London and parts of the southeast and southwest of England are also under a rain warning until 10am on Tuesday.
In addition, a yellow wind warning remains in effect for parts of the east of England, the southeast, southwest, and Wales, continuing until 6am on Tuesday.
In Somerset, a major incident was declared due to flooding, with residents in affected areas evacuated from their homes. Over 50 flood warnings are currently in place for England, with two warnings in Scotland, as the country continues to recover from the impact of Storm Eowyn.
The coming days will see more rain and gusty winds, particularly in the south of the UK. Chris England, a Sky weather producer, mentioned that Tuesday will be very windy again with widespread heavy showers, including the risk of hail and thunder. By Wednesday, the weather will calm down somewhat, with showers mainly affecting the north, particularly on the north-facing coasts. Thursday should bring drier conditions, though heavy rain is expected to hit Ireland and Northern Ireland later in the day.
The aftermath of Storm Eowyn remains significant, with ongoing power outages and travel disruptions. Hundreds of thousands of homes, including 65,000 in Northern Ireland, are still without power. At least ten schools in Northern Ireland remain closed, and many more are without power. ScotRail reported over 500 incidents on its network, including more than 120 fallen trees on tracks, causing significant disruption.
Tragically, two young men, aged 19 and 20, lost their lives in separate incidents linked to the storm’s extreme weather. One died after a tree fell on his car in East Ayrshire, and the other in County Donegal, Ireland, when a tree struck his vehicle.
Although not as severe as Storm Eowyn, Storm Herminia is still expected to bring strong winds and heavy rain to the UK. Chris England explained that while it may not have the same intensity as Eowyn, its effects could still be felt across the country, particularly following the structural damage caused by the earlier storm.
