Storm Ashley Brings Severe Weather Warnings Across the UK: Met Office Alerts

Storm Ashley has prompted the Met Office to issue severe weather warnings across the UK, with significant impacts reported in Scotland, England, and Wales. As of October 21, 2024, the storm has led to the issuance of 100 flood warnings and 118 flood alerts across the three countries.

In Scotland, the Scottish Environmental Protection Agency has warned of flooding in 47 locations, with an additional 10 lesser flood alerts where flooding is possible. Nearly 20 of these flood warnings are in the Western Isles, eight in Orkney, and 14 in Dumfries and Galloway.

England’s Environment Agency has issued 45 flood warnings and 96 alerts, while Natural Resources Wales has warned of flooding in eight areas with a further 12 locations under lesser alerts.

The storm has also brought hurricane-force winds, with gusts reaching up to 111mph at the summit of Cairn Gorm and 109mph at the peak of Aonach Mor in the Scottish Highlands. Average wind speeds have hit hurricane-force levels of 85mph at Bealach Na Ba and 81mph at Cairn Gorm.

The severe weather has caused various disruptions, including a fire sparked by downed electrical cables in Cork, Ireland, and a giant moon replica installation deflating in Somerset due to extreme winds.