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Storm Ashley battered parts of the UK with hurricane-force winds and heavy rain, causing travel chaos and cutting power to thousands.
Dozens of flights were canceled and redirected at airports including Belfast, Edinburgh and Glasgow, while parts of the rail network suffered major damage from debris and uprooted trees.
Around 100 flood warnings were issued across Scotland, England and Wales late on Sunday night after the River Severn burst its banks and flooded the town of Worcester.
In Northern Ireland, more than 10,000 customers were without power and the Met Office issued one of two amber warnings for winds that could cause injury and pose a risk to life.
As the storm passed through the Scottish Highlands on Sunday night, average wind speeds reached 85mph, with gusts tentatively recorded at the top of Cairn Gorm of at least 111mph.
A yellow weather warning for strong winds is in effect for most of Scotland until 9am on Monday, with the Met Office warning that “falling debris and trees” could affect commuters.
WATCH: Planes struggle to land at Heathrow as Storm Ashley hits.
Andy GregoryOctober 21, 2024 05:00
A scene likened to a ‘power washer’ as heavy rain hits Ireland
Footage taken in Belmullet, County Mayo, Ireland, shows how heavy rain can be compared to a power washing machine.
Andy GregoryOctober 21, 2024 04:00
There are around 50 flood warnings and 10 alerts in place in Scotland.
The Scottish Environmental Protection Agency has warned that flooding is expected in 47 areas of Scotland, with 10 fewer flood warnings in place for areas where flooding may occur.
Almost 20 of the flood warnings are in the Western Isles, eight in Orkney and 14 in Dumfries and Galloway as Storm Ashley continues to bring powerful winds and rain.
Andy GregoryOctober 21, 2024 03:00
Photo: Flood defenses installed along the River Severn.
Andy GregoryOctober 21, 2024 01:58
There are eight flood warnings and 12 alerts in place in Wales.
Natural Resources Wales has warned that flooding is expected in eight areas across the country, with fewer warnings in place meaning a further 12 areas could experience flooding.
In Scotland, 47 flood warnings and 10 warnings were issued, while the Environment Agency in England issued 45 flood warnings and 96 alerts.
This brings a total of 100 flood warnings and 118 warnings across the three countries.
Andy GregoryOctober 21, 2024 00:18
Hurricane-force winds and gusts (111 miles per hour) in the Scottish Highlands.
Hurricane-force winds were recorded in the Scottish Highlands, with gusts of up to 111mph at the top of Cairn Gorm and 109mph at the summit of Aonach Mor, according to the Met Office.
Average wind speeds reached hurricane force 85mph at the Bealach Na Ba station near Applecross and 81mph at Cairn Gorm.
Andy GregoryOctober 21, 2024 00:17
The fire broke out after Storm Ashley toppled electrical cables.
Cork City Fire Brigade shared footage of the fire, which was sparked by powerful winds downing trees and electrical cables during Storm Ashley.
Andy GregoryOctober 20, 2024 23:59
Giant moon model placed on water in Somerset town shrinks due to ‘extreme weather’
A giant model of the moon installed in a historic waterway in a Somerset town has been deflated by “extreme” winds brought on by Storm Ashley.
Bridgewater Town Council said the ‘Fallen Moon’ installation by Bristol-based artist Luke Jerram had ‘enchanted’ visitors since it was unveiled on Tuesday, attracting more than 10,000 visitors to Bridgewater Dock. .
But the council, which had “certainly brought joy and surprise to many” in the days following its opening, lamented on Sunday what may have been an untimely end to the installation.
You can find more details in this report.
Andy GregoryOctober 20, 2024 23:29
Photo of car washed away by high tide in Northern Ireland
A vehicle appears to have been trapped by high tide on the County Down coast.
Andy GregoryOctober 20, 2024 23:01
