Met Office issues red warning for 100mph winds

Another dangerous storm is slamming into our shores today, with the Met Office issuing its highest tier red warning for wind.

Red warnings are rarely issued and are an indication that the situation in hand is dangerous and life-threatening for the areas affected.

The red warning is for west Wales and north west England until 9pm this evening, where winds are widely expected to gust up to 80mph, with gusts of 100mph around coasts and over the hills.

The Met Office warns that winds of this strength can cause widespread structural damage, bringing down trees and power lines. In addition, large waves are expected to affect coastal areas.

This storm will probably produce some of the strongest winds we have seen so far this winter, which has been characterised by storm after storm hitting the UK.

Gales or severe gales will also affect many other parts of the UK, with gusts reaching 50-70mph and possibly 80mph for coastal areas.

Another aspect of today’s weather will be heavy rain sweeping across the country. With the ground saturated and river levels still high, this is only going to exacerbate the flooding situation.

The Environment Agency is particularly concerned about the rivers Thames, Wye and Severn in the coming days, as well as the ongoing flooding on the Somerset Levels.

Environment Agency flood risk forecast – low (yellow), orange (medium), red (high)

Whilst the current storm will move away later tonight and tomorrow, another spell of wet and windy weather will arrive on Friday, bringing the chance of further disruption.

Don’t forget, you can get the latest forecast on the Channel 4 Weather website. I’ll also be posting regular updates on Twitter – @liamdutton