The Met Office has issued an urgent Ice Warning as Storm Barra, a 1,000-mile-wide storm that is advancing towards the UK and has already caused damage to the infrastructure.
It is expected to deliver 80 mph gusts, blizzards, and as much snow to Britain in just hours. Hundreds of homes are still suffering from the effects of Storm Arwen two weeks ago.
Northern Powergrid, an energy company, said that 700 businesses and homes in northern England remain without power despite the Prime Minister’s promise to restore supply by today.
Although some residents were unable to obtain generators, the company gave out small survival kits that included a blanket, hot water bottle and a cup, as well as gloves, socks, gloves, and a mug.
Barra could also affect the network. The Met Office has issued a yellow warning to drivers, indicating that they may be exposed to potentially dangerous icy conditions.
Although the hurricane will wreak havoc in the west, warnings of yellow winds are issued for England, Wales, Northern Ireland, and the United Kingdom. Expect travel disruptions. Additionally, there are concerns about further power cut and buildings being damaged.
According to the Met Office, huge wind gusts will be felt along the west and south coasts of England, Wales and Scotland. These winds are accompanied by waves with a small chance of causing damage to property and coastlines.
Royal National Lifeboat Institution has urged residents to remain well away from the sea’s edge.
Environment Agency issued flood warnings to England’s south coast and 35 flood alerts.
The Met Office stated that yellow snow warnings have been issued for northern England and Scotland. Blizzards and snowfalls of up to 20cm can cause dangerous conditions on roads higher in the mountains.
Commuters who walked across London Bridge this morning were warm because of Storm Barra. It is expected to make landfall in the UK.
The bright sunrise over Wimbledon and South West London, before Storm Barra will be spectacular.
Storms are expected to deliver 80mph winds, snowstorms, and blizzards to Britain in just hours. Pictured: Commuters at London Bridge today
London Bridge is closed today due to freezing conditions.
The bright sunrise over Wimbledon and South West London, before Storm Barra will be spectacular.
Commuters who walked across London Bridge this morning were warm because of Storm Barra. It is expected to make landfall in the UK.
This morning’s sunrise from Tower Bridge, London. Before severe weather conditions arrive in the UK.
Commuters who walked across London Bridge this morning were warm because of Storm Barra. It is expected to make landfall in the UK.
Today’s and Wednesday’s weather alerts have been issued by the Met Office as Storm Barra moves towards the UK.
The Met Office stated that huge winds gusts can be expected along England’s southern and western coasts. They are also accompanied with waves. Large waves pose a risk to lives by dumping beach materials onto the seafront, roads, and property.
Schools in Ireland were told to close their doors after a rare warning for Clare, Kerry, and Cork.
Aidan McGivern, Met Office meteorologist, stated that Storm Barra’s winds gusts and impacts “will be a step down than Arwen”, which caused widespread power outages on November 26, some of which are still not restored.
Engineers may be more challenged by gale force winds, but Stephen Dixon, a spokesperson for the company said that winds will ‘gradually weaken as they move east’ and would cease to exist on Thursday.
But many can expect disruption today, as Exact Weather’s James Madden told the Sun: ‘Tuesday will see an extensive and rapidly deepening area of low pressure working its way northwards across the country initially bringing heavy rain and strong winds.
“This storm system will meet colder weather conditions in the UK and turn it to snow.
“With snow storms occurring simultaneously, it is possible to see the emergence of a snow bomb effect in which heavy snow explodes with severe storm conditions.”
When there’s a sudden fall in pressure at the center of an area with low pressure, a ‘weather bomb’ is also called an ‘explosive cycleogenesis’.
For a bomb to be considered, it must drop by 24mbars per 24 hours depending on our latitudes.
These events occur when dry air in the stratosphere is pushed into low-pressure areas.
The depression causes the air in the area to heat up very quickly, increasing its rotation and causing a stronger storm.
After speaking with Phil Jones (Northern Powergrid boss), the Prime Minister tweets that he had “asked for assurances” that energy companies would put in place measures to prevent any further disruptions to homes as a consequence of Storm Barra.
Greg Hands, energy minister, stated Monday that the fact that approximately 1,600 households are still without power was “completely unacceptable”.
Labour has charged the Government with treating the people of Scotland and North England as second-class citizens.
As they face the 11th night without electricity, many residents of affected areas reported yesterday that they are losing their hope and feel ‘fed-up and angry’.
The deadline for restoring power supply to all property by Wednesday was missed.