On Saturday, the Met Office issued yellow alerts for rain and wind across much of the UK and the Republic of Ireland as Storm Elin strikes. This marks the fifth named storm since September.
The alerts cover Wales, the Midlands, parts of Northern Ireland, and the north-west and south-west of England for wind. Rain alerts are in effect in the north-west of England, as well as parts of Scotland and Northern Ireland.
In Ireland, Met Éireann has issued orange wind warnings for counties Donegal, Dublin, and Wicklow, alongside several yellow warnings.
The storm is expected to bring heavy rain, leading to potential localised flooding and travel disruptions. In Devon, fallen trees and flooding have blocked roads, and on Thursday, six people were rescued from floodwaters.
Storm Elin causes severe weather across the UK and Ireland, prompting flood warnings.There are currently 33 flood warnings and 181 less severe flood alerts in England. The Environment Agency advises against walking through floodwaters due to risks like sharp objects, sewage, uncovered manholes, and chemicals.
Wind speeds may reach 70mph along the Irish Sea coasts, with gusts between 45 and 55mph expected in the Midlands, northern England, and Northern Ireland.
Up to 80mm of rain could fall in some UK areas, potentially flooding homes and businesses. Stephen Dixon from the Met Office stated that heavy rain and wind will move from the southwest to the northeast of the UK, tapering off to showers by the afternoon.
Strong winds will persist, especially in Wales, the Midlands, northern England, and Northern Ireland, with coastal communities around the Irish Sea being particularly affected.
The unsettled weather is set to continue into Sunday and next week, with ongoing yellow rain warnings in north-west England and the possibility of additional warnings as conditions evolve.