A step by step guide to where will be wet, windiest or even see snow. Numerous warnings continue as Storm Ciara pulls away and colder air follows behind.
Published Friday 7th Feb 2020 17:30, updated Monday 10th 15:35
In colder Polar flow, wintry showers with snow to low levels. Monday 10th
Radar image from Sunday 9th - Line convection bands over UK bringing torrential rain, lightning squally winds, poor visibility. Adding to the flood risk and bringing some of the wildest conditions of the day from Storm Ciara.
Currently, there are several separate warnings out from the UK Met Office, for wind, rain and snow. Saturday 8th through til Wednesday 12th February 2020.
For warning updates do check the Met Office website.
The low pressure, Storm Ciara has now cleared away towards Norway and Sweden. Behind it are strong westerly winds bringing a cold polar airstream with plenty of wintry showers. Snow is falling even to lower levels and will continue to do so for the first half of this week.
Heavy snow and strong winds will combine to lead to disruption to travel, especially over higher routes.
Looking back at Storm Ciara at the weekend.
The main concerns for Sunday were the strong winds with land gales and high gusts with heavy rain, the risk of flooding on land and large waves with coastal flooding. A widespread Amber warning for Winds over much of England and Wales with a smaller Amber for rain for southern Scotland.
Numerous trees fell, there was widespread disruption to rail network with parks and outdoor venues closed on Sunday. Manchester airport reported a gust of 86mph as planes were delayed or diverted. There were power cuts as lines were brought down and damage at coasts in the wild conditions and along rivers as a torrent of water caused high levels and flooding.
Mamma (also known as Mammatus) has been reported today from Isle of Man and Bridlington.
Flood alerts are already in place. Scotland – “From late Saturday and over the weekend into Monday, there is a risk of coastal flooding on exposed coastlines and low-lying coastal areas. A combination of high tides, large waves and surge could cause flooding and disruption from wave overtopping or high water levels.” England and Wales “High tides and strong winds associated with Storm Ciara will affect some areas. Consequently, flooding is possible for the duration of the strong winds.”
There are also Flood alerts/warnings from the Environment Agencies for surface water, river and coastal flooding with large waves and swell. Met Eireann has widespread Yellow Snow and Ice warning and ongoing orange wind warnings for western Counties.
Monday
Much of the UK looks windy at some point on Monday, with strong westerly winds and high gusts. Not as intense as on Sunday but with it being Monday, with commuting traffic and schools open there will be more people out and about.
Yellow wind warning for SW England and south coast. "A swathe of very strong winds are likely to move across the far south of England during Monday."
Not just very windy but also colder air from the west.
Even once the low centre moves away, the strong winds continue as colder air is pulled in from the west. Snow showers appear through Monday and continue into Tuesday. “Frequent and heavy snow showers will affect the region throughout Monday and Tuesday. Snow showers will mainly be over high ground. Strong winds, gusting 50-60 mph, will lead to blizzard conditions at times and considerable drifting of lying snow. Frequent lightning strikes are also possible, perhaps leading to interruptions to power supplies.” MO
This is the warning picture at 15:45 on Monday 10th February, do keep up to date with the forecast especially if you have any travel plans for the start of this week.
More discussion on the Netweather forum as Storm Ciara event continues.
