Storm Kathleen is set to bring heavy rain and strong winds to much of the UK and Ireland. Issued by the Met Eireann, the Irish Meteorological Service, and the Met Office, the storm will start affecting the region on Friday.
On Saturday, widespread gusts of up to 50mph are expected, with coastal areas potentially experiencing winds of 60 to 70mph. The storm will be the 11th named storm of the 2023-24 season and only the second to reach the letter K, following Storm Katie in March 2016.
According to Met Office meteorologist Alex Burkill, Saturday’s weather will be unusually wet and windy, with heavy rain likely in Scotland and potential showers in western parts and north-east England. Despite the rough weather, temperatures are expected to remain mild, possibly reaching 20°C for the first time this year.
Flood warnings were issued for central Scotland amid record rainfall and stormy conditions.Travel disruptions are anticipated due to heavy rainfall, especially in central Scotland, prompting a Met Office yellow weather warning for rain on Friday from 2 am to 9 am.
Areas such as central Scotland, Tayside & Fife, and Strathclyde could see 15-25mm of rain, with some places receiving up to 35mm overnight. Additionally, a yellow snow warning is in place for the same period, with possible accumulations of 10cm or more above 300 metres and 2-5cm above 250 metres.
A wind warning for western regions, including parts of Scotland, Wales, and north-west and south-west England, will be in effect from 8 am to 10 pm on Saturday. As of Thursday morning, the Environment Agency had 12 flood warnings and 93 flood alerts in place across England, primarily in southern areas.
Looking ahead, Burkill notes that the upcoming week may continue to be wet and windy, but some drier conditions might emerge later.
Drivers are advised to slow down and be cautious of strong winds, especially on exposed coasts and higher routes. Recent figures show England has experienced record rainfall, with 1,695.9mm recorded in the 18 months to March, surpassing the previous record.