Severe weather warning for stormy conditions across the UK

Met Office forecasters have issued a red National Severe Weather Warning for stormy conditions across the UK this afternoon and evening. 

The strongest winds are expected across Wales and northern England with gusts of 128 – 160 km/h (80 – 100 mph) in some exposed western areas. Heavy rain will turn to snow over the Pennines and other northern hills and mountains with blizzard conditions for a time.

A red warning from the Met Office means that we need to take action to keep ourselves and others safe from the impacts of the weather. Widespread disruption to travel and other services is likely. All of us should consider changing our plans and avoiding dangerous areas. This kind of warning was not issued for over a year.

Paul Davies, Met Office Chief Meteorologist, said: "The winds through Wednesday afternoon and evening will be damaging and will bring down trees, causing travel disruption and disruption to power networks.

"We advise everyone to stay up to date with Met Office Severe weather warnings and the latest details from our UK forecast during this time of particularly unsettled weather."

Thursday will see generally less windy weather, with some scattered squally showers which could be wintry at times. Another storm will follow on Friday. 

Chief Meteorologist Paul Davies explains the red warning issued for wind for the UK and what to do when this warning is issued.

Video courtesy of Met Office UK

Image credit: NASA Aqua / MODIS. Date acquired: February 12, 2014.

Source: Met Office UK

Featured image: NASA Aqua / MODIS