Storms Dudley and Eunice to batter UK - with bad weather to continue into next week

The boundary of the amber and yellow warnings for Storm Eunice runs through the Rochdale borough

Two storms named by the Met Office are expected to bring impacts from strong winds for much of the UK, with the potential for some snow later in the week.

Storm Dudley will impact the northern half of the UK from Wednesday afternoon, while Storm Eunice will bring strong winds to southern and central areas on Friday, as well as some snow for northern areas. 

• www.metoffice.gov.uk/weather/warnings-and-advice/uk-warnings

Met Office Chief Meteorologist Frank Saunders said: “An active jet stream is helping to drive low-pressure systems across the country, with both storms set to cause some disruption and National Severe Weather Warnings have been issued. 

“Significant disruption is possible from both Storm Dudley and Storm Eunice with strong winds one of the main themes of the current forecast.

“The most impactful winds from Dudley will be in the north on Wednesday afternoon, as shown in the amber warning area. Storm Eunice is expected to track eastwards from early on Friday, bringing the most significant winds to the central and southern areas of the UK, with some gusts possible in excess of 95mph in exposed coastal areas.” 

With Storm Dudley, wind gusts could reach up to 80mph in exposed coastal areas, with 60-70mph gusts possible further inland.

Storm Eunice will impact much of the UK on Friday. The most significant wind gusts are expected in the south and west, with potential for snow in the north.

A yellow warning for wind and snow has been issued for Friday covering Northern Ireland, northern England and southern Scotland, where potentially up to 20cm of snow could accumulate over high ground, with up to 5cm possible in some lower areas. Brisk winds in this area could cause blizzard-like conditions and drifting of lying snow, reducing visibility, and making driving conditions difficult.   

After Storm Eunice the unsettled weather continues over the weekend with further strong winds, rain and sleet expected through Saturday and Sunday. The changeable conditions are then expected to continue into next week.