On Saturday, Storm Kathleen caused significant disruptions across the UK, leading to the cancellation of around 140 flights at major airports, including those in Edinburgh, Belfast, Manchester, and Birmingham.
The storm, which brought winds reaching 70 mph, also contributed to the warmest day of the year, with temperatures hitting 20.9°C in Santon Downham, Suffolk.
The Met Office issued a yellow weather warning for the north-west and south-west of England, as well as parts of Northern Ireland, Scotland, and Wales. Ellie Glaisyer from the Met Office explained that the storm’s location allowed warm air from the continent to sweep across the UK, resulting in unusually high temperatures.
High winds and warm temperatures lead to power outages and flood warnings.By Saturday evening, Storm Kathleen is expected to subside, but another weather system moving in from the southwest is forecasted to bring rain, particularly to western regions of the UK, through Monday.
In Ireland, about 12,000 out of 34,000 customers who lost power during the storm remained without electricity overnight.
P&O Ferries also canceled sailings between Larne in Northern Ireland and Cairnryan in Scotland. The Highlands of Scotland experienced some of the highest wind speeds, with gusts reaching 98 mph.
The Environment Agency issued 14 flood warnings and 113 flood alerts across England, while National Resources Wales added six more alerts. The Met Office warned of potential injuries and hazards due to large waves and debris being thrown onto coastal areas.
Rod Dennis from RAC Breakdown advised drivers to avoid exposed coastal routes and higher roads, as the severe weather conditions could pose significant risks.