UK storm – latest: Schools closed, flights grounded and major incidents declared as Storm Ciarán hits

Hundreds of schools will close, flights have been grounded and major incidents declared in parts of England as Storm Ciaran lashes the UK.

Major incidents have been declared in Southampton, the Isle of Wight and Jersey with councils shutting schools there and in Devon and Cornwall to protect residents as 80mph winds are set to batter the south coast.

The Met Office has issued two “danger to life” warnings across England and Wales as travel across land, air and sea has been disrupted, with ferries, trains and flights cancelled until Saturday.

Train operators have warned travellers to expect disruption on cross-border services.

London Heathrow airport, the busiest in the UK, has imposed restrictions on the “flow rate” of arriving aircraft due to the strong winds expected to arrive with Storm Ciarán.

British Airways, which has more than half the slots at Heathrow, has grounded 30 flights including two round trips to each of Amsterdam, Belfast City and Paris CDG.

All four BA services to and from Jersey have also been grounded due to the closure of the island’s airport all day on Thursday.

Key Points

• Amber weather warnings issued across England and Wales

• Met Office name latest storm set to bring 90mph winds to the UK this week

• Staggering number of flood warnings in place

• Where will be affected?

• British Airways grounds 30+ Heathrow flights

• School closures in Cornwall

Met office updates weather warnings

11:12 , Alexander Butler

The Met Office has updated its weather warnings, with three yellow warnings and one amber warning in place across the UK.

A yellow rain warning in the north east will be in place until Friday 6am while a yellow rain warning for the south west will remain in place until midnight on Thursday.

An amber wind warning remains in place until Thursday 12pm while a different yellow wind warning remains in place until Thursday 5pm.

Watch: Baby monitor captures moment Storm Ciaran destroys window as mother sleeps

11:04 , Alexander Butler

More than 1,000 tonnes of shingle moved on beach to protect homes from flooding

10:50 , Alexander Butler

Up to 1,400 tonnes of shingle has been moved on a beach to protect homes from flooding in Lancing, West Sussex, the Environment Agency said.

“Our teams were out into the night yesterday working with contractors to move 1400 tons of shingle to help protect local homes at Lancing,” it said on X, formerly Twitter.

It comes as the Met Office updated its amber warning for the south east on Thursday, showing wind speeds of up to 90mph across Sussex and Kent.

Watch: Storm Ciaran rips through England as waves batter coastlines

10:38 , Alexander Butler

Jersey dad says 'golfball sized hailstones’ fell from the sky in ‘disaster movie-like scene’

10:32 , Athena Stavrou

Father-of-three Carl Walker, 45, spent the night sleeping in the front room with his family due to safety fears.

“The authorities sent out plenty of warnings to islanders to prepare however I don’t think anyone was quite ready for the strength of the winds we experienced last night and this morning,” the Jersey Consumer Council Chairman said. “It’s like nothing anyone can ever recall.”

He added: “Some properties have had their roofs torn off and golfball sized hailstones fell and damaged cars and houses. It smashed through car windows and conservatories.

“Myself and my family spent the evening sleeping in our front room downstairs to distract the children and stay safe.

“I could hear tiles falling from the roof. It was like a scene from a disaster movie. When it peaked at around 5am I went up to the top floor and it felt like the roof was about to lift off.”

Watch: Journalist pushed over by strong winds during live Storm Ciaran report from Jersey

10:28 , Alexander Butler

Major delays on the A27 as motorist wade through floodwater

10:27 , Alexander Butler

National Highways has reported delays of more than 20 minutes on the A27 eastbound in West Sussex – between Worthing and Shoreham-by-Sea – ‘due to reports of faulty traffic lights at Sompting’.

Cars were filmed on the A27 in Worthing struggling to tackle floodwater on their commute this morning.

Watch: Storm Ciaran batters coast of Cornwall

09:35 , Alexander Butler

Met office updates amber warning

09:15 , Alexander Butler

The Met Office has updated its amber warning showing Sussex and Kent are expected to see the strongest winds from Storm Ciaran in the South East.

Amber weather warnings remain in force for much of the UK through Thursday - with winds up to 85mph forecast for some areas.

Highest wind speed recorded at 93mph

09:15 , Alexander Butler

The Met Office has published a list of the highest wind speeds brought by Storm Ciaran so far.

Jersey Airport has seen the strongest gusts at 93mph, according to the weather service.

Meanwhile, Guernsey Airport came in second with wind speeds of up to 78mph, figures show.

Man unblocks drain in Worthing

09:02 , Alexander Butler

A man was filmed unblocking a drain with his bare hands in Worthing, West Sussex, on Thursday.

In the footage, he can be seen pulling leaves from a drain, which allows floodwater through.

Storm Ciarán: Extent of flooding in Newry shown in dramatic drone footage

08:59 , Alexander Butler

Storm Ciarán: Dramatic drone footage captures extent of flooding in Newry

Pictured: France

08:29 , Alexander Butler

Giant four-inch hailstones hit Jersey

08:05 , Alexander Butler

Four-inch hailstones have battered Jersey overnight, according to a government of Jersey worker.

“A better photo of a collection of hailstones from our lawn following the thunderstorm and downpour around Midnight. Ruler for scale,” Christian May said on X, formerly Twitter.

The pictures show eight large hailstones next to a ruler. One of them measures about four inches, while the others measure in at around two to three inches.

More than 8,500 homes in Cornwall without power

08:02 , Alexander Butler

More than 8,500 homes in Cornwall are without power, according to its council.

“More than 8,500 homes in Cornwall are without power due to the effects of Storm Ciarán. Please read this advice from the National Grid on what to do in a power cut,” it said on X, formerly Twitter.

Councillor Martyn Alvey also told BBC Radio 4’s Today programme some major roads have been blocked by fallen trees, and there is concern for coastal communities already hit by flooding as high tide approaches.

One dead and millions left without power in France

07:42 , Alexander Butler

Storm Ciarán left one person dead and 1.2 million households without electricity with parts of Brittany and Normandy, France, on red alert for strong winds, officials said.

In the Finistere department in Brittany, where winds of up to 129mph were recorded on the Pointe du Raz, two people were slightly injured and road traffic remained prohibited until further notice, local prefect Alain Espinasse told RTL radio.

Energy Minister Agnes Pannier-Runacher said on social network X that the storm left 1.2 million households without power.

Have you been affected by Storm Ciarán?

07:39 , Alexander Butler

Have you been affected by Storm Ciarán? Email alexander.butler@independent.co.uk

Share your photos, videos and stories with us and we might include them in this blog.

Trampoline stuck on train tracks in Hastings

07:24 , Alexander Butler

A trampoline has been blown onto a track in Hastings, Kent, as Storm Ciaran brings strong winds and heavy rain to the British Isles.

The trampoline now arriving at Platform 4. Our friends at Network Rail have just had to remove this from the track at Hastings.

“If you’ve a trampoline in your garden, please make sure it’s secure - it’s going to be very windy out there,” Southeastern railway said on X, formerly Twitter.

Southeastern railway: ‘Do not attempt to travel'

07:21 , Alexander Butler

Southeastern railway has warned people to “not attempt to travel” before 9am on longer-distance routes in Kent and East Sussex.

“Even after this time, severe disruption is highly likely throughout Thursday so we would recommend that you work from home if you can or postpone your journey until Friday,” it said.

It comes as hundreds of schools have closed, flights have been grounded, train services disrupted and major incidents declared in parts of the UK.

Tornado watch warning issued

07:16 , Alexander Butler

One or two tornados could hit the UK as it is battered by strong winds and heavy rain, according to the Tornado and Storm Research Organisation (TORRO).

“The highest risk of one or two tornadoes would likely be along and south of a line from S Wales to London, but the risk cannot be ruled out a bit further north too,” it said.

It comes as the Met Office has issued two “danger to life” warnings across England and Wales with high winds expected to cause flying debris.

Three taken to A&E in Jersey, police say

06:57 , Alexander Butler

Three people have been rushed to accident and emergency centres on Jersey, according to police.

“So far tonight 29 adults, six children and seven pets have been relocated in hotel accommodation due to property damage.

Four people and a cat have relocated to another address and three people have been taken to A&E. Emergency services are still out and about dealing with incidents,” Jersey police wrote on X, formerly Twitter.

Mapped: Where Storm Ciarán will hit UK as new weather warnings issued

06:46 , Alexander Butler

Mapped: Where Storm Ciarán will hit UK as new weather warnings issued

British Airways and KLM cancel 100 flights

06:44 , Simon Calder

British Airways and the Dutch airline KLM have between them cancelled around 100 flights to, from and within the UK due to Storm Ciaran.

Overnight, BA has increased the number of short-haul cancellations at Heathrow. The airline has grounded 38 domestic and European flights in addition to all 10 flights between Heathrow and Jersey – whose airport is closed all day.

The cancellations including two round trips to each of Amsterdam, Belfast City, Brussels, Glasgow and Paris CDG.Passengers are being rebooked on other services, or can take a full refund.

In addition, KLM has cancelled five round-trips between Amsterdam and Heathrow due to reduced runway capacity at the Dutch airport.

Thousands of passengers hoping to connect from other UK airports at Amsterdam Schiphol are also learning that their flights on Thursday have been cancelled.

KLM Royal Dutch Airlines is telling passengers: “Due to the expected weather conditions at Amsterdam Airport Schiphol, the runway capacity has been reduced on Thursday 2 November. As a result, some of our flights have been cancelled. We apologise for any inconvenience.”

All 17 UK airports served by KLM, from Bristol to Inverness, have had some departures and arrivals grounded. Almost 50 flights to and from Amsterdam are affected. London City, London Heathrow and Manchester are worst hit.

Passengers are entitled to be re-routed free of charge, with KLM providing hotels and meals as necessary until they reach their destinations.

Conditions ‘very dangerous’ in Jersey

06:40 , Alexander Butler

Weather conditions are “very dangerous” with wind speeds reaching up to 104mph in Jersey, the fire service warned.

“As wind speed increases we’re seeing an increase in calls. We currently have 8 crews out dealing with incidents, mainly in St Clement and St Helier.

“The highest wind speed recorded is 104mph. Please follow advice and don’t go outside. Conditions are very dangerous,” Jersey fire and rescue wrote on X, formerly Twitter.

Met Office gives verdict on fireworks night forecast after Storm Ciaran hits

06:30 , Athena Stavrou

Storm Ciaran is barrelling into the UK this week complete with strong winds and heavy rain, and with Bonfire Night just days away, fireworks fans will be eager to know whether the storm will be putting a damper on their plans.

After the last Storm Ciaran weather warning expires in parts of Scotland and northern England on Friday morning, Met Office forecasters say Britons can expect calmer - albeit damp - weather on Saturday and Guy Fawkes Night on Sunday.

You can read more here:

Met Office gives verdict on fireworks night forecast after Storm Ciaran hits

Storm Ciarán brings strong gusts to France

06:00 , Stuti Mishra

Storm Ciaran is also bringing strong winds to parts of France. Residents share videos of lightning and gusts.

Jersey under 'danger to life' red warning

05:40 , Stuti Mishra

A red wind warning, the highest level, was issued for Jersey in Channel Islands from yesterday night into Thursday.

Heavy winds have hit the island as Storm Ciaran entered the region with forecasters predicted gusts upto 95mph.

High tides could also force the closure of coastal roads, and residents have been urged to “avoid outdoor activities”.

Read: Major incident declared as Storm Ciarán batters UK coasts with heavy winds

05:21 , Stuti Mishra

A major incident has been declared on the south coast as Storm Ciarán arrives, with heavy winds battering the UK.

Two amber wind warnings, the second highest level of alert, are in place for parts of the south coast of England for when Storm Ciarán hits on Thursday, together with further yellow rain warnings, a lower level which means some disruption could be on the way.Read more:

Animation shows Storm Ciaran 'explosively intensifying'

04:50 , Stuti Mishra

All flood and rain warnings in place in Scotland

04:29 , Stuti Mishra

The Scottish Environmental Protection Agency (Sepa) has issued 12 flood alerts across parts of Scotland as well as two flood warnings in Dumfries and Galloway and Tayside.

Two amber warnings, the second highest level of alert, are in place for parts of the south coast of England today, together with further yellow rain warnings, the lowest level, meaning some disruption could be on the way.

Storm Ciarán triggers three days of travel chaos in the UK and beyond

04:00 , Simon Salder

Storm Ciarán, the latest spell of bad weather to hit the UK, is already causing widespread travel disruption – with cancellations and delays expected to last until Friday.

The Met Office stays Storm Ciarán will cross the southern part of the UK on Thursday. But ahead of the storm, the weather service warns “a squally cold front will move eastwards across southern and southeast England bringing bursts of heavy rain and coastal gusts of 60-70mph, mainly from Dorset eastwards”.

Simon Calder reports:

Storm Ciarán triggers three days of travel chaos in the UK and beyond

Train services between Scotland and England facing disruptions

03:41 , Stuti Mishra

Train passengers travelling between Scotland and England are facing disruption due to bad weather and warnings.

A yellow warning for rain is in place for the east coast of Scotland, from the Moray coast stretching down to Hull.

Train operators have warned travellers to expect disruption on cross-border services.

No LNER services between Edinburgh and Aberdeen will operate after 10.30am today until Saturday in both directions.

The operator's services between Newcastle and Edinburgh will run on an hourly service from 3pm and will be in place until the end of service on Friday.

Speed restrictions will be in place on the route which may see services subject to delays of up to 40 minutes.

Network Rail is imposing speed restrictions across parts of Scotland and while most ScotRail services will be unaffected, some areas will see delays.

Speed restrictions will be in place on routes between Aberdeen and Inverness; Berwick and Edinburgh; Edinburgh and Dundee and Dundee and Aberdeen.

TransPennine Express services between Newcastle and Edinburgh will also be subject to delays, with the operator urging passengers to check their journeys ahead of travel.

Newry swamped with water as island of Ireland hit by further floods

03:00 , Athena Stavrou

Large parts of Newry in Co Down have been swamped by floodwater as the city’s canal burst its banks amid heavy rainfall.

Dozens of businesses were engulfed in the floods, with widespread damage caused to buildings, furnishings and stock.

Police have warned people to stay out of the city centre as streets have turned into rivers.

Thousands of sandbags have been stacked along the canal to try to stem to flow amid fear of further breaches.

Mapped: Storm Ciarán’s path across the UK

02:00 , Athena Stavrou

Here is the predicted path Storm Ciarán is set to take as it sweeps across the UK from Wednesday night.

What is extreme weather?

01:00 , Athena Stavrou

Storm Ciarán is the latest extreme weather event the UK has seen in recent weeks. The third named storm of this year’s season comes after areas across Scotland and north-east England were battered with the worst of Storm Babet, which caused serious damage and several deaths when it hit last week.

From flooding to heatwaves, wildfires to droughts, Earth’s weather cycles have shown signs of becoming increasingly more erratic, severe and prolonged, and though there is no blanket explanation for this change in weather patterns, human-induced global warming is a major underlying factor.

The Independent looks at extreme weather below:

Advice for travelling in storms

Wednesday 1 November 2023 23:00 , Athena Stavrou

With Storm Ciarán set to batter the UK overnight, here’s the Met Office’s advice for travelling in a storm:

• If heavy downpours are expected, avoid starting your journey until it clears.

• If you can, choose main roads, where you are less likely to be exposed to fallen branches and debris and flooding.

• Use dipped headlights if visibility is seriously reduced.

• If the road is flooded, turn around and find another route. The number one cause of death during flooding is driving through flood water, so the safest advice is turn around, don’t drown.

• Keep an eye out for gaps between trees, buildings or bridges over a river or railway

• Flood water also contains hidden hazards which can damage your car, and just an egg-cupful of water sucked into your car’s engine will lead to severe damage.

• Gusts of wind can unsettle vehicles – grip your steering wheel firmly with both hands.

• Remember to give vulnerable road users including cyclists, motorcyclists and pedestrians more room than usual - they are more likely to be blown around by side winds

Dozens of schools to close in Southampton

Wednesday 1 November 2023 22:26 , Lydia Patrick

Will your child’s school be closed tomorrow?

Here is a full list of the schools closed in Southampton tomorrow due to Storm Ciarán.

Watch - Waves batter Devon coast as Storm Ciaran hits UK

Wednesday 1 November 2023 22:22 , Lydia Patrick

School closures in Devon

Wednesday 1 November 2023 22:21 , Lydia Patrick

Over 100 schools will be closed across Devon to protect staff and pupils against powerful gails and rainfall.

A full list of closures can be accessed here.

School closures in Cornwall

Wednesday 1 November 2023 22:19 , Lydia Patrick

As storm Ciarán sweeps across the South, here is a list of the school closures in Cornwall.

Cornwall - So far 22 school closures have been announced for tomorrow

• Altarnun Primary School, Boyton Primary School, Bude Area Resource Base, Budehaven Community School, Callington Community College, Callington Primary School, Camborne School and International Science Academy, Coads Green Primary School, Egloskerry School, Jacobstow Community Academy, Kilkhampton Junior and Infant School, Launceston College, Launceston Primary School, Lewannick Primary School, Penwith Alternative Provision Academy, St Catherine’s CE School, St Stephens Community Academy (Launceston), St Wenn School, Stratton Primary School, Trekenner C P School, Whitstone Community Primary School and Windmill Hill Academy.

Visit the council website for more information.

Storm Ciaran: How and why storms get their names

Wednesday 1 November 2023 22:00 , Athena Stavrou

The UK is braced for downpours and blustering gales once again with a new storm just days after Storm Babet battered large parts of the country.

This is the third named storm of the season, hence starts with the letter C.

Here’s why storms are named and the new changes the UK Met Office has made in its process for naming the storm in 2023/24 season.

Read more:

From Babet to Walid: How and why storms get their names

Over 100 schools closed due to Storm Ciarán

Wednesday 1 November 2023 21:45 , Lydia Patrick

As Storm Ciarán sweeps across the South tomorrow, schools will be closed across Southampton, the Isle of Wight, Devon and Jersey.

The Government of Jersey have announced all schools will be closed as Devon City Council have confirmed the closure of over 170 schools, report Devon Live.

In Southampton and the Isle of Wight, several schools will shut due to the severe weather conditions.

Storm Ciaran triggers travel chaos with flights, ferries and trains cancelled

Wednesday 1 November 2023 21:25 , Lydia Patrick

Storm Ciaran is causing widespread travel chaos, with cancellations and delays expected to last until Saturday as the UK braces for the weather event to hit.

The Met Office has issued two amber “danger to life” warnings, the second-highest level of alert, across England and Wales as heavy rain and strong winds are expected to land on Wednesday evening, prompting flights to be grounded and trains and ferry journeys to be shelved.

Met Office spokesperson Oli Claydon said the storm would bring coastal gusts of 70mph to 80mph and the potential for 85mph, with people urged to stay away from the water’s edge due to “very dangerous conditions”. Northern Ireland has already seen flooding; a yellow rain warning from the Met Office was in place for the country until 9am on Wednesday.

The worst conditions are at sea, with warnings that waves in the Bay of Biscay could reach 14 metres (45ft) off the coast of Brittany. French forecasters are warning that gusts could exceed 160km/h (100mph).

Brittany Ferries have cancelled all UK-Spain voyages planned to cross the Bay of Biscay on Thursday. A ferry industry insider said: “The Bay of Biscay and Irish Sea is a monster. In the English Channel it’s a bit more like a bull in a china shop, with the worst damage expected throughout Thursday as the storm hammers through from west to east.”

Storm Ciaran triggers travel chaos with flights, ferries and trains cancelled

Major incidents declared in Jersey, Southampton and Isle of Wight

Wednesday 1 November 2023 21:10 , Lydia Patrick

Major incidents have been declared in Hampshire, Jersey and on the Isle of Wight as Storm Ciaran’s 80mph winds are set to batter the areas from midnight.

Some schools in the Storm’s path in Southampton and the South West will face closures and Jersey have announced the closure of all schools in the area to protect pupils and staff.

Wednesday night's weather forecast

Wednesday 1 November 2023 21:00 , Athena Stavrou

As Storm Ciarán rolls into the UK tonight, here’s the latest forecast according to the Met Office:

Eastern Scotland had wettest October on record

Wednesday 1 November 2023 20:00 , Athena Stavrou

Eastern Scotland had its wettest October on record in a series which goes back to 1836, according to provisional Met Office figures.

It comes after Storm Babet caused disruption across the UK last month, with Brechin in Angus bearing the brunt of the flooding after dozens of families were forced to leave their homes.

The storm claimed the lives of seven people in Britain, including three in Scotland.

Eastern Scotland broke its record for rainfall in October, with 235.9mm of rain being 82% more than its average. There were “significant and very severe flood impacts” in the area during Storm Babet, with two red rain warnings issued by the Met Office, the forecaster said.

Angus, Dundee, Fife and Kincardineshire were among a number of counties that recorded their wettest October on record.

Met Office gives verdict on fireworks night forecast after Storm Ciaran hits

Wednesday 1 November 2023 19:30 , Athena Stavrou

Storm Ciaran is barrelling into the UK this week complete with strong winds and heavy rain, and with Bonfire Night just days away, fireworks fans will be eager to know whether the storm will be putting a damper on their plans.

After the last Storm Ciaran weather warning expires in parts of Scotland and northern England on Friday morning, Met Office forecasters say Britons can expect calmer - albeit damp - weather on Saturday and Guy Fawkes Night on Sunday.

You can read more here:

Met Office gives verdict on fireworks night forecast after Storm Ciaran hits

14-metre waves forecast for Bay of Biscay – with all ferries cancelled

Wednesday 1 November 2023 18:50 , Simon Calder

Brittany Ferris has cancelled all UK-Spain sailings planned to go through the Bay of Biscay on Wednesday and Thursday, where waves could reach 14 metres (45 feet) off the Brittany coast. French forecasters are warning that gusts could reach 170km/h (106mph).

Thursday’s 7pm departure from Portsmouth to Bilbao will got ahead.

An insider said: “The worst of the storm will have passed by then, albeit it will be quite a bumpy ride. By the time it gets to Biscay it will still be quite rough, but not Alton Towers rollercoaster-rough.”

Across the Channel between England and France, after the afternoon service from Portsmouth to Caen arrives at around 7.15pm, all services are suspended until Thursday evening.

Cross-departmental group set up to deal with flooding

Wednesday 1 November 2023 18:00 , Alexander Butler

A cross-departmental group has been set up in Northern Ireland to respond to major flooding.

The move comes as senior civil servants lead government departments in the absence of locally elected ministers amid the continued collapse of the Stormont Assembly.

Head of the Northern Ireland Civil Service Jayne Brady said the group has been set up to co-ordinate central and local government efforts to support people and businesses.

“Colleagues have been working tirelessly around the clock to mitigate, as far as possible, the effects of this major weather event,” she said in a statement.

Dozens of UK-Amsterdam cancellations

Wednesday 1 November 2023 17:47 , Simon Calder

Thousands of passengers hoping to connect from UK airports at Amsterdam Schiphol are learning that their flights on Thursday have been cancelled.

KLM Royal Dutch Airlines is telling passengers: “Due to the expected weather conditions at Amsterdam Airport Schiphol, the runway capacity has been reduced on Thursday 2 November. As a result, some of our flights have been cancelled. We apologise for any inconvenience.

All 17 UK airports served by KLM, from Bristol to Inverness, have had some departures and arrivals cancelled. Almost 50 flights to and from Amsterdam are affected. London City, London Heathrow and Manchester are worst hit.

Passengers are entitled to be re-routed free of charge, with KLM providing hotels and meals as necessary until they reach their destinations.

British Airways grounds 30+ Heathrow flights

Wednesday 1 November 2023 17:01 , Simon Calder

London Heathrow airport, the busiest in the UK, has imposed restrictions on the “flow rate” of arriving aircraft due to the strong winds expected to arrive with Storm Ciarán.

British Airways, which has more than half the slots at Heathrow, has grounded 30 domestic and European flights. They include two round trips to each of Amsterdam, Belfast City and Paris CDG.

Passengers are being rebooked on other services, or can take a full refund.

In addition, all four BA services to and from Jersey have been grounded due to the closure of the island’s airport all day on Thursday.

In addition, KLM has cancelled five round-trips between Amsterdam and Heathrow due to reduced runway capacity at the Dutch airport.

Airlines prepare for disruption

Wednesday 1 November 2023 16:10 , Simon Calder

Loganair passengers booked to fly to or from airports in southern parts of Britain on Thursday can switch to other dates.

The airline said: “We are offering customers travelling to or from Norwich, Bristol, Newquay, Southampton, Exeter, London Heathrow and Cardiff the opportunity to adjust travel plans without charge.

“We plan to fly all our scheduled services. We have standby aircraft and crews in place to help recover disrupted services as soon as weather permits.”

EasyJet is telling passengers: “Storm Ciarán is expected to affect parts of Northern Ireland, southern England and the Channel Islands from the evening of 1 November through to 2 November.

“This has the potential to cause some delays and disruption to flights.”

Heavy rainfall could cause flooding, environment agency warns

Wednesday 1 November 2023 15:10 , Alexander Butler

Heavy rainfall could cause flooding across the UK, the environment agency has warned.

“Rain is forecast across England this evening, which may cause flooding in some areas. Be prepared,” it said.

It comes as the UK saw over a third more rain than average this with 171.5mm of rainfall.

UK saw over a third more rain than average this month

Wednesday 1 November 2023 14:55 , Alexander Butler

Northern Ireland had its fifth wettest October on record with 191.8mm being 68% more than its average. England had its eighth wettest on record with 147.2mm of rain, which is 63% more than average.

In addition to some counties in the east of Scotland, Staffordshire, Nottinghamshire and the Isle of Wight also provisionally had their respective wettest October on record. In Northern Ireland, counties Armagh and Down also had their wettest October.

The UK saw over a third more rain than average with 171.5mm in what was provisionally the joint-sixth wettest October on record, the Met Office has said.

'Do not attempt to travel on the East Coast main line on Thursday or Friday' – LNER

Wednesday 1 November 2023 14:30 , Simon Calder

On the East Coast main line, connecting London King’s Cross with Yorkshire, northeast England and Scotland, LNER warns disruption to services due to Storm Ciarán will continue until at least Saturday 4 November – and is urging passengers not to attempt to travel on Thursday or Friday.

The train operator says: “We strongly advise customers to avoid travelling on Thursday 2 November and Friday 3 November.

“Some LNER trains will be running, but there is likely to be major disruption including severe delays, short-notice cancellations and overcrowding.

“There may be service alterations on Saturday 4 November as we work towards reinstating our normal timetable.

“If your journey is wholly with LNER, your ticket will be valid for travel on any LNER service on Monday 6 November or Tuesday 7 November.

“If you have a ticket for travel on Thursday 2 November or Friday 3 November, you can use your ticket to travel on an earlier or later LNER service on the same date. “

Additional disruption will occur between Edinburgh and Newcastle due to urgent repair work to a viaduct near Morpeth.

Trains are leaving the Scottish capital earlier than planned to allow for hold-ups. The work will continue until at least Monday 6 November.

DFDS Ferries cancels all UK-France ferries from Wednesday evening to Friday morning

Wednesday 1 November 2023 14:13 , Simon Calder

All sailings by DFDS Ferries between the UK and France have been cancelled from late on Wednesday evening to Friday morning.

The line normally links Dover with both Calais and Dunkirk. But the company says: “We regret to inform that sailings from the 11.59pm departure on 1 November until and including the 2am departure on 3 November have been suspended due to the extreme weather conditions.

“We apologise for any inconvenience caused and we appreciate your understanding in this matter. Rest assured that the safety of our passengers remains our utmost priority.

“For passengers affected by the cancellation, our customer service representatives are available to assist you with rebooking options or answer any questions you may have. We understand the disappointment this may cause, and we appreciate your patience.”

Earlier DFDS said its Newhaven-Dieppe link would be suspended for 24 hours from Wednesday evening.

Jersey airport to close all day on Thursday

Wednesday 1 November 2023 11:46 , Simon Calder

Jersey airport, the main hub for the Channel Islands, will close to all passenger flights on Thursday 2 November.

Passengers are told: “Airport authorities have decided to close the airport to commercial operations all day on Thursday.

“The airport will remain open for emergency and medical flights, and will reopen on Friday after a visual inspection of the airport infrastructure.”

A spokesperson for easyJet, which operates many flights to and from the island, said: “Following the decision by Jersey Airport to close, we have cancelled our flights to and from Jersey and will continue to monitor the weather closely.”

The spokesperson added: “Due to strong winds forecast from Storm Ciaran impacting parts of southern UK on Thursday, like other airlines we are expecting some disruption to our flying programme.

“We continue to advise all passengers due to fly with us on Thursday to check the status of their flights … and to allow extra time to travel to the airport due to the impact of the weather on local public transport services.”

Up to 12,000 sandbags deployed in Northern Ireland

Wednesday 1 November 2023 10:49 , Alexander Butler

Some 12,000 sandbags have been deployed in Northern Ireland as areas of the nation have been battered by flooding and strong winds.

It comes as an estimated 80 businesses in Newry, County Down, are counting the cost after the city’s canal burst its banks on Monday night, submerging sections under water.

The Met Office has issued a yellow warning for rain for the eastern half of Northern Ireland on Thursday.

Wet conditions expected until Friday

Wednesday 1 November 2023 09:50 , Alexander Butler

Wet conditions are expected across the UK until Friday, the Met Office said.

“Wind and rain warnings associated with Storm Ciaran are in force from Wednesday night onwards into Friday. As well as strong winds, this deep low pressure system will bring heavy rain to many parts of the UK,” Met Office deputy chief meteorologist Dan Suri said.

“Much of southern England and south Wales, as well as parts of north Wales, northeast England, southeast Scotland and perhaps the east of Northern Ireland look to see the wettest conditions between Wednesday evening and Friday morning.”

Storm Ciarán triggers three days of travel chaos in the UK

Wednesday 1 November 2023 09:53 , Alexander Butler

Storm Ciarán, the latest spell of bad weather to hit the UK, is already causing widespread travel disruption – with cancellations and delays expected to last until Friday.

National Rail is warning that “heavy rain accompanied by strong winds” will affect journeys across Wales and the south of England on Wednesday and Thursday, and across the northeast of England on Thursday and Friday.

Brittany Ferries is telling travellers: “Weather-related delays and/or cancellations may occur on Wednesday 1 November and (particularly) Thursday 2 November. We will continue to monitor forecasts carefully in the coming 24 hours.”

To find out more about how travel has been affected by the weather, read here:

Storm Ciarán triggers three days of travel chaos in the UK and beyond

Greenpeace urge politicians to take climate crisis seriously

Wednesday 1 November 2023 07:30 , Stuti Mishra

As storm Ciarán makes its way across Northern Ireland it has left parts of the country submerged in rainwater.

Parts of Newry in County Down are underwater as a yellow rain warning remains in place until 9am tomorrow.

Greenpeace have called for action saying flooding will become more common as climate crisis worsens.

Mapped: Where Storm Ciarán will hit UK as new ‘danger to life’ warning issued

Wednesday 1 November 2023 07:00 , Lydia Patrick

Storm Ciarán is set to batter the UK this week as the Met Office has issued amber ‘danger to life’ warnings for “very strong winds” across England and Wales.

Exposed English coastal regions could be lashed by gusts of up to 90mph, as flying debris, blown-off roofs and power cuts are expected across the country.

There are both amber and yellow warnings for wind in place from Wednesday night until the end of Thursday and will affect large swathes of England and Wales.

Mapped: Where Storm Ciarán will hit UK as new ‘danger to life’ warning issued

Met Office issues more than 70 flood warnings ahead of Storm Ciarán as amber alert comes into effect

Wednesday 1 November 2023 06:30 , Lydia Patrick

Flooding has been reported in parts of Northern Ireland as police urged people against travelling due to an amber rain warning.

The Met Office has issued an amber warning for rain, the second highest level, for much of the south-eastern part of the region.

Across the UK, the Environment Agency has issued more than 70 flood warnings ahead of the arrival of Storm Ciarán on Wednesday while yellow weather warnings for rain have been issued by the Met Office from Monday until Thursday.

The warning covers Counties Antrim, Down and Armagh. It came into effect at 9pm on Monday and extends until 9am on Tuesday.

The Met Office has forecast persistent heavy rain, leading to flooding and transport disruption.

Met Office issues 70 flood warnings ahead of Storm Ciarán amid amber alert

Rain and wind forecast for Thursday

Wednesday 1 November 2023 06:04 , Stuti Mishra

Today’s weather forecast ahead of Storm Ciaran’s arrival

Wednesday 1 November 2023 05:30 , Stuti Mishra

The Met Office forecasts a largely unsettled and windy day today ahead of the arrival of Storm Ciaran tomorrow with some sunny outbreaks.

A number of Severe Weather Warnings have already been issued by the forecaster.

Storm Ciarán will move northeastwards with heavy rain and damaging winds affecting many parts of England and Wales.

In the north, the rain is expected to begin slowly clearing through the day, remaining heavy at times and mainly dry at night with lighter winds across Scotland and Northern Ireland.

In south, the blustery showers will give way to heavy rain and gales spreading in from the southwest as Storm Ciarán arrives later at night.

“Aahead of Storm Ciarán, a squally cold front will move eastwards across southern and southeast England bringing bursts of heavy rain and coastal gusts of 60-70mph, mainly from Dorset eastwards," Met Office chief meteorologist Dan Suri, said.

Two Amber warnings issued for England and Wales

Wednesday 1 November 2023 05:00 , Stuti Mishra

The Met Office has issued two amber alerts for England and Wales tomorrow as much of the country is bracing itself for a fresh bout of wind and rain with Storm Ciaran.

Amber warnings are in place for the entire south coast of England and parts of Pembrokeshire where Storm Ciaran is due to hit, together with several further yellow rain warnings.

The storm has already caused flooding in Northern Ireland, where a yellow rain warning from the Met Office is in place until 9am today.

A similar notice has been issued for parts of southwest, central and eastern Scotland from 3am to 3pm and in southern parts of England and Wales from 6pm on today until the end of tomorrow.

A further yellow warning for rain and wind has been issued across the southeast coast from 5am to 9am today with a yellow warning for wind across southern England and parts of South Wales from 6pm today and throughout tomorrow.

Here’s a map showing areas covered under amber warning.

Newry swamped as more floods hit Ireland

Wednesday 1 November 2023 04:30 , Stuti Mishra

Large parts of Newry in Co Down have been swamped by floodwater as the city's canal burst its banks amid heavy rainfall.

Dozens of businesses were engulfed in the floods, with widespread damage caused to buildings, furnishings and stock.

Police have warned people to stay out of the city centre as streets have turned into rivers.

Thousands of sandbags have been stacked along the canal to try to stem to flow amid fear of further breaches.

Parts of the canal walls have already collapsed into the water and the authorities are concerned more sections could give way.

Other areas in the north east of the island of Ireland were also badly hit by the overnight rain, with homes flooded in Camlough in Co Armagh and Newcastle in Co Down.

The main motorway and train line linking Belfast and Dublin were both affected by flooding on Tuesday, causing major disruption for cross-border travellers.

In Newry, Sugar Island, Kildare Street, Canal Quay and part of Bridge Street were among the areas worst hit.

Areas under Amber warning on Thursday

Wednesday 1 November 2023 03:37 , Stuti Mishra

An amber warning is in place from 3am to 1pm tomorrow in Cornwall, Devon and the extreme west coast of Pembrokeshire, with the Met Office predicting Storm Ciaran will bring winds of 75 to 85mph with 65 to 75mph gusts inland.

Across the south coast, from Dorset eastwards, the amber warning runs from 6am to 8pm with winds expected to reach 70 to 80 mph with the potential for 85mph and large waves.

The warning says wind could disrupt travel, power lines and cause structural damage with flying debris providing a threat to life.

Mapped - Today’s weather warnings

Wednesday 1 November 2023 02:00 , Lydia Patrick

There are five weather warnings in place across the UK as torrential rainfall and gusty winds of up to 70mph are set to strike.

Met Office’s list of storm names

Wednesday 1 November 2023 01:00 , Lydia Patrick

Ciarán is the third named storm of the season, following Agnes and Babet.

The Met Office name storms to aid the communication of approaching severe weather through media partners and other government agencies to improve the public response.

2023/4 Storm Names

Panic buyers storm supermarkets in Channel Islands leaving shelves empty

Wednesday 1 November 2023 00:00 , Lydia Patrick

Panicked shoppers have emptied supermarkets as Channel Island residents have been advised to stay indoors on Thursday when Ciarán arrives on their shores.

Despite supermarket bosses reassuring residents they have enough supplies to last the duration of the storm, islanders rushed to stockpile essential goods amid worries freight ferries won’t be able to reach the islands, report ITV.

Guernsey resident prepares for Storm Ciarán

Tuesday 31 October 2023 23:00 , Lydia Patrick

A father has brought heavy items indoors as the Channel Islands brace themselves for the arrival of Storm Ciarán.

Gary Rich, a carpenter from Guernsey, has packed up expensive goods from his garden in preparation for heavy winds that can sweep up weighty items and cause heavy destruction to surrounding buildings.

Devon council repair sea wall in time for storm

Tuesday 31 October 2023 22:00 , Lydia Patrick

Jersey tells residents to stay home

Tuesday 31 October 2023 21:00 , Lydia Patrick

The government of Jersey has told islanders to stay indoors on Thursday when Storm Ciarán is expected to cause chaos on the Channel Island.

Residents have been told to only visit hospitals in the case of an emergency and schools will be shut.

Watch - Tonight’s weather forecast

Tuesday 31 October 2023 20:00 , Lydia Patrick

Southampton bridge closed due to storm

Tuesday 31 October 2023 19:30 , Lydia Patrick

The Itchen Bridge will be closed as Storm Ciarán hits Southampton, according to reports.

The bridge over the River Itchen connects the A3025 Portsmouth Road to Southampton.

It will be closed from 7pm on Wednesday 1 November and will stay shut until conditions improve.

Flooding causing ‘destruction and financial stress’ to farmers, NFU warns

Tuesday 31 October 2023 19:00 , Lydia Patrick

Flooding is causing “destruction and financial stress” to farmers’ businesses and their homes, a major farming organisation has warned.

The National Farmers’ Union (NFU) said it was calling on all political parties to set out their plans to protect farmland “from flooding which puts the country’s food security at risk”, following the “devastation caused by Storm Babet”.

The NFU has written an open letter calling on the Environment Agency to “deliver a proactive plan for the watercourses and flood defences it manages” and for the Government to “pay farmers and growers fairly” for the role they play “in protecting homes and businesses when rivers breach their banks”.

The letter also calls for changes to the Flood Defence Grant to ensure that “rural communities are not disadvantaged by the nature of smaller populations in comparison to urban communities”.

NFU deputy president Tom Bradshaw said: “Despite promises made during each catastrophic flooding event, repeated governments of all parties have failed to get to grips with the challenge of managing watercourses and flooding.

“With another storm forecast this week, we need to see plans come forward as a matter of urgency.”

Storm Ciarán will risk flooding, environment agency warns

Tuesday 31 October 2023 17:51 , Alexander Butler

Storm Ciarán is due to increase the risk of flooding in some areas, the UK environment agency warned.

“Storm Ciarán is due to create very strong winds and heavy rain across England, increasing the risk of flooding to some areas. Stay safe and don’t take unnecessary risks,” it said on X, formerly Twitter.

Trains in Scotland will likely have reduced speed

Tuesday 31 October 2023 16:51 , Alexander Butler

Trains running in Scotland during Storm Ciarán will likely have their speed reduced, according to Network Rail Scotland.

“It’s likely that we will have to reduce train speeds for safety reasons in some areas. We’ll let you know as soon as these are confirmed.

“High winds can bring down trees onto the tracks, posing a danger to trains,” it said.