United Kingdom faced the brunt of Storm Kathleen on Saturday, as powerful gusts of wind swept across large swathes of the country, prompting authorities to issue yellow weather warnings in various regions. The warning, covering the north-west and south-west of England, parts of Northern Ireland, Scotland, and Wales, extends from 8 a.m. to 10 p.m., with gusts of up to 70mph anticipated in certain areas.
The impact of the storm has already been felt, with nearly 70 flights departing and arriving at UK airports before midday cancelled, alongside multiple diversions. Aer Lingus flights departing from Belfast City Airport and several British Airways and Air France services have been affected, compounding travel disruptions.
Meteorologists attribute the warmer temperatures experienced across the UK to the storm’s influence. Met Office meteorologist Ellie Glaisyer explained, “The storm is the reason we are seeing the warmer temperatures because the location of the storm – situated out towards the west of the UK – is bringing a southerly wind across the UK.” This southerly wind from the continent is driving temperatures upwards, with forecasts suggesting temperatures could reach 22°C.
Storm Kathleen’s impact on train services across Scotland has been notable, prompting Network Rail Scotland to implement speed restrictions on several main routes from midday on Saturday. Passengers are advised to check their routes before undertaking travel plans due to potential disruptions.
Meanwhile, the storm’s strong winds have left thousands of homes in Ireland without electricity. In Atherton, Greater Manchester, a crane toppled onto a residential property, damaging its roof and walls after a lorry carrying the crane overturned on the road.
Moreover, flooding has been reported in various areas, including York city centre, where the River Ouse burst its banks, inundating roads. Flood warnings have also been issued for the River Thames, underscoring the severity of Storm Kathleen’s impact on the region’s infrastructure and communities.
