Severe weather set to strike UK

Mar 9 2008 by Catherine Evans, Wales On Sunday

PARTYING Welsh fans staying on late in Ireland may have to endure a bumpy ride home with the strongest storm of the winter – which forecasters are calling the bomb – set to hit our shores later today.

Weathermen have warned people to stay inside and avoid unnecessary journeys when the storm hits tonight, with winds of up to 80mph expected to tear through parts of the country.

And the unsettled weather is expected to climax tomorrow when the deepening low-pressure system swings east across the UK.

Forecasters have warned of coastal flooding as high spring tides coincide with the strong gales.

A band of exceptionally low pressure will be responsible for bringing heavy rain and severe gales to all parts of Britain.

And parts of Wales are expected to be particularly badly hit because of “explosive cyclogenesis”.

Explosive cyclogenesis is defined as when the central pressure of a low falls by more than 24mb in 24 hours.

This is also sometimes referred to as a “bomb” and usually only happens a few times a year.

Last night Paul Mott, of the Meteogroup UK weather centre, said rugby fans travelling back from Ireland should miss the start of the storms.

“The strongest of the winds will be during Sunday night when people won’t be travelling anyway,” he said. “The gusts are expected to reach up to 60 or 70mph. In Wales, it will affect mostly south-westerly and coastal areas.”

He added the storms would be strongest on Monday afternoon, with the possibility of minor damage, but would die down later in the week.

“On Monday morning they will ease off for a time, but it will turn more windy after about 3pm,” said Mr Mott.

“Most areas will have gusts of 70mph. There may be some localised damage but it shouldn’t be a huge problem. Areas such as Pembrokeshire could see damaging gusts up to 80mph. There could be some trees down and some cut power lines.

“The winds will gradually die down on Monday night. The start of the week will remain windy and unsettled, with gales of 60 or 70mph on Tuesday.”

Although the winds are said to be the strongest seen all winter, Mr Mott advised people to remain calm.

“I think some parts of Wales will probably see the strongest winds they have had all winter in the first part of this week,” he said.

“But we don’t want people to panic too much, it won’t be too severe.

“We would advise people to check the forecasts and leave a bit more time if travelling around. Eventually it will calm down later in the week.”

Those concerned about the risk of coastal flooding should call Floodline on 0845 988 1188 for the latest flood warnings in their area.