Storms Dudley and Eunice set to bring gusts of up to 60-70mph

Strong winds, heavy rain and snow is expected to hit the UK this week.

Storm Dudley will affect the northern half of the UK from Wednesday afternoon through to Thursday, while Storm Eunice will bring strong winds and potentially some snow for parts of the country on Friday.

Met Office chief meteorologist Paul Gundersen said: “An active jet stream is driving low-pressure systems across the country, both of which are likely to cause some disruption and national severe weather warnings have been issued.”

Storm Dudley will bring strong winds across western Scotland and Northern Ireland on Wednesday afternoon, pushing eastward to northern England overnight.

A yellow warning for wind has been issued for much of central and northern areas of the UK, including Northern Ireland.

Embedded within that is an amber warning for southern and western Scotland, the north coast of Northern Ireland and northern England, where the strongest and most disruptive winds are expected.

Storm Eunice, the next low-pressure system, is likely to track across central areas of the UK on Friday.

Further impacts are expected from disruptive gale force winds with 60–70mph winds expected inland.

This system is also expected to bring some heavy rain and there is a potential for some significant snowfall over hills in the Midlands and further north, although this will become clearer nearer the time.

National Highways head of road safety, Jeremy Phillips, said: “We’re encouraging drivers to check the latest weather and travel conditions before setting off on journeys and consider if their journey is necessary and can be delayed until conditions improve.

“If you do intend to travel, then plan your journey and take extra care, allowing more time for your journey.

“In high winds, there’s a particular risk to lorries, caravans and motorbikes, so we’d advise drivers of these vehicles to slow down.

“Drivers of other vehicles should be aware of sudden gusts of wind which can affect handling and braking, and give high-sided vehicles, caravans, and motorbikes plenty of space.

“In the event of persistent high winds we may need to close bridges to traffic for a period, so please be alert for warnings of closures and follow signed diversion routes.”

To check the latest forecast visit https://www.metoffice.gov.uk/