Storm Francis to bring strong winds and heavy rain

Tuesday could see wind gusts of up to 60 mph and also heavy rain for many

Wind and rain warnings are in force for Tuesday (25 August) as another named storm impacts the UK.

A deep area of low pressure will cross the UK from Monday night, bringing wind gusts of 60 mph and potentially 70 mph in exposed western locations and also heavy rain for many.

Two yellow weather warnings covering the Rochdale borough are in force until midday on Wednesday.

Whilst not exceptional, the Met Office says winds this strong are unusual for August and they will be accompanied by some heavy rain in places, with possible transport disruption and impacts on outdoor activities.

The rain is expected to be heaviest in Northern Ireland and south west Scotland where 60-90 mm in total could fall as the storm moves from west to east.

Chief Meteorologist Andy Page said: “The UK is in for another unseasonably wet and windy spell with Storm Francis arriving on Tuesday. There will be strong winds and heavy rain, especially in the west of the UK. A number of severe weather warnings have been issued and these warnings can be updated regularly so please keep up to date with the latest Met Office forecast.”

Storm Francis will clear to the East of the UK by Wednesday lunchtime, leaving a brighter and more settled outlook for the remainder of the day. After a showery day on Friday, the Bank Holiday weekend should bring sunshine to most parts for a time with scattered showers before further unsettled weather is expected to move in from Tuesday next week.

What to expect

• Injuries and danger to life from flying debris are possible
• Some damage to buildings, such as tiles blown from roofs, could happen
• Road, rail, air and ferry services may be affected, with longer journey times and cancellations possible
• Some roads and bridges may close
• Power cuts may occur, with the potential to affect other services, such as mobile phone coverage
• Injuries and danger to life could occur from large waves and beach material being thrown onto sea fronts, coastal roads and properties
• Bus and train services probably affected with journey times taking longer
• Spray and flooding on roads probably making journey times longer
• Some interruption to power supplies and other services likely
• Flooding of a few homes and businesses is likely

You can check the latest weather warnings on the Met Office’s severe weather warnings pages at:

www.metoffice.gov.uk/weather/warnings-and-advice/uk-warnings - ?date=2020-08-24