Storm Ashley has brought chaos to parts of north-west and south-west England, causing widespread disruption with winds gusting up to 70mph (113km/h) and heavy rainfall. The Met Office has issued yellow weather warnings for high winds across Cumbria, which began early Sunday morning and will last until midnight. Strong winds and high tides are expected to create dangerous conditions along coastal areas, particularly in Cumbria, while heavy rainfall affects regions in Devon and Cornwall. The storm is being monitored closely, as it is the first named storm of the season, and authorities are warning residents of potential hazards.
In the north-west, areas including Cumbria are bracing for winds of 50-60mph (80-97km/h) inland and up to 70mph (113km/h) on the coast and in hilly areas. The Met Office has highlighted the likelihood of power cuts, damage to buildings, and large coastal waves bringing debris onto roads and properties. Communities along the Cumbrian coastline, such as Maryport, Flimby, and Workington, are expected to be some of the worst hit, with flood warnings issued as high tides approach in the afternoon.
In addition to the high winds, a yellow rain warning is in place for Devon and Cornwall until midday Sunday. Dartmoor and other high-altitude areas are predicted to receive the heaviest rainfall, further increasing the risk of flooding and travel delays. The Met Office has warned that strong winds, combined with rain-soaked ground, could lead to falling trees, blocked roads, and further disruption to transportation networks, particularly in rural areas.
Flood gates have been closed in several Cumbrian towns, including Flimby and Maryport, to protect vulnerable areas from the anticipated storm surge. The Environment Agency has advised residents in coastal communities to be prepared for possible flooding, urging caution as high tides and large waves are expected to coincide with the strongest winds. Areas most at risk include Allonby, Maryport, Flimby, Workington, Parton, and Whitehaven.
Travel disruptions are already being reported, with rail services in the north-west and south-west likely to be severely impacted by the storm. Northern Rail has urged passengers to check their journeys before travelling, citing potential delays or cancellations due to both crew shortages and adverse weather conditions. Bus services are also expected to face delays, with road closures and hazardous driving conditions increasing journey times.
The Met Office has advised people to avoid unnecessary travel, particularly in coastal areas where large waves and debris could create dangerous conditions on the roads. For those who must travel, authorities recommend checking road conditions in advance and adjusting travel plans as needed. Emergency crews are on standby to respond to incidents related to the storm, including flooding and fallen trees, which could block key routes.
Power cuts are also a major concern, with Electricity North West putting teams on alert to respond to potential outages caused by the high winds. The company has assured residents that it is closely monitoring the situation and has teams ready to repair any damage to the power network. Richard Moulton, incident manager for Electricity North West, stressed the importance of being prepared for possible power outages, advising people to keep torches and batteries on hand.
Coastal communities are being warned of possible evacuations if flooding worsens, particularly in areas where flood gates and defences are under strain. Residents are urged to stay informed through local news and weather updates, and to follow any advice or evacuation orders issued by emergency services. The storm is expected to bring not only dangerous waves but also inland flooding, particularly in low-lying areas.
Storm Ashley, categorized as a “weather bomb” due to its rapid drop in atmospheric pressure as it moves across the Atlantic, marks the beginning of what could be an active storm season for the UK. Meteorologists have cautioned that more storms could follow, and are urging the public to stay alert to changing weather conditions in the coming weeks. Preparation and caution are key as the storm season progresses.
As Storm Ashley continues to affect the UK, residents in affected regions are advised to take precautions, such as securing outdoor furniture, preparing emergency supplies, and staying indoors where possible. The Met Office and Environment Agency will continue to monitor the storm’s progression and provide updates on any new warnings or changes in weather conditions. With widespread travel disruption, power cuts, and flooding possible, the impacts of Storm Ashley are expected to be felt well into the start of the week.