The Met Office is warning of a potentially disruptive storm, named Storm Antoni, which is set to bring unseasonably strong winds and heavy rain to the UK this weekend. The storm is expected to hit the country from late Friday night to Saturday, bringing with it a mix of wet and windy conditions.
Northern Ireland will be the first to experience the storm’s wrath, with heavy rain forecast to fall from early Saturday morning. The country can expect to see rainfall totals of 40-60mm in some areas, with 20-30mm more widely scattered. Meanwhile, parts of Wales and southern England will face strong winds, with gusts reaching over 60mph in some areas.
The Met Office’s chief meteorologist, Steve Willington, warns that the storm’s impact will be felt across the country, with potentially disruptive weather expected to move eastwards. “Northern Ireland is likely to see some of the highest rainfall totals, but 20-30mm more widely. Away from the warning area, many will still see a very wet day, especially in north Wales and north England,” he said.
Winds will be particularly strong in parts of south-west England and south-west Wales, with gusts reaching more than 60mph. Inland areas can expect gusts of 50-55mph, coinciding with high tides, which will pose an additional challenge for coastal areas. The RAC’s Rod Dennis advises drivers to be cautious on the roads, particularly in the south-west of England, where the storm’s impact is expected to be most severe.
Storm Antoni“We expect Saturday to be the worst day on the roads of the summer so far, especially for anyone in the south-west of England – and that’s a lot of people as our research shows it’s the most popular part of the country for leisure trips by car this year,” Dennis said. With around 4 million cars expected to use the roads for leisure journeys across the weekend, motorists are advised to slow down significantly to stay safe and avoid exposed moorland and coastal routes until the storm passes.
It’s also essential for drivers to be aware of fallen trees and be prepared for the disruption they may cause. With a combination of strong winds and heavy rain, it’s crucial to stay informed and adapt to the changing weather conditions. As the storm approaches, it’s hoped that the UK’s motorists will take the necessary precautions to stay safe on the roads.