[V]ery strong winds with gusts of 55-65 mph, perhaps reaching 75 mph in exposed places, are looking increasingly likely on Tuesday night into Wednesday morning.
A deepening area of low pressure is expected to cross the UK on Tuesday night into Wednesday morning bringing a spell of very strong winds and heavy rain and yellow warnings are in place.
Longer journey times by road, rail and air are likely, with restrictions on roads and bridges.
There is also a chance of power cuts, and damage to trees and perhaps buildings.
Met Office Deputy Meteorologist Chris Tubbs said “ There are no links between the very strong winds we expect to see here in the UK and the hurricanes affecting the United States and the Caribbean at present. This system originated well north in the Atlantic Ocean, independent of the current Caribbean hurricanes. It is a fairly typical autumnal low pressure system often seen here in the UK.”
The worst of the winds are expected across parts of England and Wales with gusts perhaps reaching 70 mph in exposed spots, although more generally 50-60 mph. Winds of this strength have the potential to cause disruption to transport and power supplies as well as some damage to buildings. The areas considered at greatest risk of impacts from wind are parts of northern England, north Wales and the north Midlands.
There has been some speculation in the press today that Britain could be hit by three hurricanes this autumn.
The UK does not get hurricanes – these are tropical features. They are larger rotating storm systems that develop over warm tropical water and are classified as hurricanes when sustained wind speed exceed 74 mph.
