Merseyside is set to be hit by strong winds, with gusts of up to 41mph.
The Met Office has put a yellow wind warning in place or a large area of the UK, including all of the Merseyside region. Forecasters have also issued a rain warning also for parts of Scotland further north.
The warnings are in place as Storm Agnes is expected to bring strong winds leading to the chance of some damage to buildings, as well as the possibility of power cuts for some. The Met Office reports that transport disruption is also likely, with some roads and bridges likely to close.
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Met Office Chief Meteorologist Matthew Lehnert said: "Storm Agnes will approach southwest Ireland early on Wednesday and track northeast across Northern Ireland and Scotland before clearing on Thursday morning. Gusts of 45-55 mph are expected widely inland and 50-60 mph over hills and around coasts.
"The strongest winds are expected to affect Northern Ireland, southwest Scotland, west and northwest Wales, Cumbria and Lancashire where some places inland may see gusts of 60 mph and 65-75 mph over hills and around coasts. These are most likely during the second half of Wednesday afternoon and through the evening."
Follow the latest updates on the weather below.
Ellen Kirwin
Yellow wind warning
The Met Office yellow wind warning comes into place at 12 noon, today.
Currently, it will run until 7am tomorrow but could be extended if necessary.
As the confidence in the track of Agnes increases, the area of strongest winds has been refined by trimming out parts of northwest Scotland, and also by reducing the southeastern extent across England.
Whilst there is still some uncertainty in the exact track and depth of Agnes, gusts of 45-55 mph are expected widely inland and 50-60 mph over hills and around coasts.
The strongest winds are expected to affect eastern parts of Northern Ireland, southwest Scotland, west and northwest Wales, Cumbria and Lancashire where some inland locations may see gusts of 50 to 60 mph, and perhaps 65-75 mph over hills and around some coasts.
The strongest gusts are most likely during the second half of Wednesday afternoon and through the evening.
Ellen Kirwin
Tips to help you stay safe driving during Storm Agnes
Driving in Strong Winds
Strong winds can be deceptively dangerous for drivers. They can occur virtually anywhere but are more prevalent in open spaces and certain road configurations like overpasses and mountainous areas. Here are some vital tips to help you navigate heavy winds safely:
- Anticipate Wind Gusts: Pay extra attention when driving through areas prone to strong winds, such as bridges or open highways. Stay updated on weather reports to know when severe wind conditions are expected.
- Beware of Large Vehicles: Keep an eye out for larger vehicles like semis, buses, and trailers. These vehicles are more vulnerable to high winds, and their drivers may struggle to maintain their lanes.
- Maintain a Firm Grip on the Wheel: Always keep both hands on the steering wheel, especially if you're driving a large vehicle or towing a trailer. Strong winds can push your vehicle, and a firm grip will help you maintain control.
Driving in Heavy Rain
Driving in heavy rain, which can be common during the autumn season, can reduce visibility and increase the risk of hydroplaning. Hydroplaning occurs when a vehicle's tires lose contact with the road due to a thin layer of water on the surface. To stay safe during heavy rain, follow these tips:
- Reduce Your Speed: Slowing down is essential to prevent hydroplaning. Additionally, be cautious during the initial stages of rainfall, as the roads may be slippery due to oil buildup. Taking your time is the safest approach.
- Use Your Headlights: Turn on your headlights to improve your visibility and help other drivers see you better.
- Increase Following Distance: Allow for an extra 1-2 seconds of following distance in wet conditions. This gives you and the drivers behind you more time to react to traffic changes.
- Avoid Blind Spots: In rainy conditions, visibility is reduced, and drivers need to be extra alert. Avoid driving in the blind spots of other vehicles, reducing the risk of accidents.
Ellen Kirwin
SP Energy Networks has shared safety advice
Electricity network operator SP Energy Networks has shared safety advice to help customers keep safe in the event of any potential power cuts caused by Storm Agnes this week.
Guy Jefferson, Chief Operating Officer, SP Energy Networks said: “High winds and heavy rain increase potential damage to our power lines and the possibility for power cuts across our network. We have tried and tested plans in place for making sure we are able to respond as quickly as possible where issues do arise and have additional resources in place across the likely affected regions, but it’s important that our customers are also prepared, just in case.
“The most important thing to do if you experience a power cut is to let us know about it as soon as possible. Please don’t assume that we already know – report it to us by calling the national emergency helpline on 105. The sooner we know about any power cuts, the quicker we can get our engineers on the ground and working on restoring your supplies.”
SP Energy Networks’ top tips for being prepared in the event of a power outage are:
- Have the national 105 emergency helpline on hand – it’s best to keep this on the fridge or saved in the contacts on your mobile phone. Report any power cuts immediately.
- Store a battery or wind-up torch – leave this somewhere you can access easily so you can use the torch to check on the fuse box and make your way around the house safely.
- Beware of fallen power lines – power lines may have fallen because of heavy wind so beware of this when venturing out of your home. Always treat them as live, stay away and report them right away by calling 105.
- Keep your mobile charged – having your mobile phone charged means you can give us a call on the national 105 emergency helpline. It’s also worth having an analogue phone as this doesn’t run off the main electricity supply.
- Keep the heat in – if your power does go out, your heating might not work so keep extra blankets nearby and close window shutters, blinds or curtains to help keep the heat in
Ellen Kirwin
What to expect with Storm Agnes
The Met Office reports Storm Agnes is set to bring a spell of strong and disruptive winds through Wednesday afternoon into early Thursday.
What to expect:
- Injuries and danger to life from flying debris are possible
- Some damage to buildings, such as tiles blown from roofs, could happen
- Some power cuts are likely to occur, with the potential to affect other services, such as mobile phone coverage
- Road, rail, air and ferry services may be affected, with longer journey times and cancellations possible. Some roads and bridges are likely to close
- There is a small chance of injuries and danger to life that could occur from large waves and beach material being thrown onto sea fronts, coastal roads and properties, with a chance of some minor flooding of coastal roads
Ellen Kirwin
Hour by hour weather forecast
The Met Office reports that the forecast for today is: "A settled start though winds strengthening with the arrival of Storm Agnes. Severe gales possible, especially along the coasts and over the hills accompanied by outbreaks of heavy rain into the afternoon."
Into the afternoon it will "stay unsettled with strong winds and further outbreaks of heavy rain, especially over the higher ground. Rain gradually clearing by dawn with winds easing."
Here is the hour by hour weather forecast:
8AM: Cloudy, 20mph gusts, temperature 12
9AM: Cloudy, 24mph gusts, temperature 13
10AM: Cloudy, 25mph guts, temperature 14c
11AM: Heavy rain, 29mph gusts, temperature 14c
NOON: Heavy rain, 30mph gusts, temperature 14c
1PM: Heavy rain, 32mph gusts, temperature 15c
2PM: Heavy rain, 37mph gusts, temperature 16c
3PM: Rain, 37mph gusts, temperature 16c
4PM: Cloudy with light rain, 39mph gusts, temperature 16c
5PM: Heavy shower, 41mph gusts, temperature 17c
6PM: Heavy shower, 41mph gusts, temperature 17c
7PM: Light cloud and rain, 38mph gusts, temperature 17c
8PM: Light cloud and rain, 40mph gusts, temperature 16c
9PM: Light cloud and rain, 38mph gusts, temperature 16c
10PM: Light cloud and rain, 37mph gusts, temperature 16c