Storm Ali to batter UK with strong winds

LONDON: The Met Office has issued an amber weather warning for Wednesday in the north of England, Scotland and Northern Ireland ahead of Storm Ali's arrival.

Storm Ali will bring very strong winds and an Amber National Severe Weather Warning is in place, warning of gusts of 65-75mph across the warning area, said the Met Office.

Gusts up to around 80mph could also be possible in exposed locations, such as coastal regions and high ground, it added.



Chief forecaster Laura Paterson said: "As this is the first spell of very strong winds of the season, and given that most trees are still in full leaf, we are likely to see some dangerous conditions with falling trees and flying branches and other debris likely. Strong winds will be accompanied by heavy, squally showers."

The Scottish Environment Protection Agency encourages the public to remain vigilant, especially in areas susceptible to flooding.

It is forecasted the winds will gradually ease later on Wednesday, firstly across Northern Ireland, northwest Wales and northern England, and then across Scotland. The outlook for the remainder of the week is rather unsettled with further strong winds and heavy rain expected across most parts of the UK.



A Yellow rain warning has been issued for parts of Wales and northwest England on Thursday.

Storm Ali is the UK's first named storm of the season, with storm Helene which hit Wales on Tuesday having taken its name from a US hurricane