A 'DANGER to life' warning has been issued as Storm Ciaran batters the UK this morning.
104mph winds have been recorded today as Brits brace themselves for a day of extreme weather.
Much of Britain has been urged to stay safe as the Met Office issues an Amber warning across the southeast.
A Red warning came into place in Jersey last night, with 40 people evacuated from their homes already this morning.
Meanwhile, over 300 schools have been closed this morning amid fears for student safety.
Read our Storm Ciaran live blog below for the latest news and updates…
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By Henry Moore
More rain to come after Storm Ciaran
The end of Storm Ciaran will not spell a return to dry weather, the Met Office has reported.
Brits should expect more rain in the coming days once the storm eases up.
Met Office Deputy Chief Meteorologist, Brent Walker, said “Once Storm Ciarán has passed, the weather over the weekend continues to look unsettled for many with more showers and rain at times.
Warnings will continue to be updated over the coming days, so it is important to stay up to date with the Met Office forecast in your area.”
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By Henry Moore
More flood warnings expected throughout today
72 flood warnings and 172 flood alerts were issued across England ahead of Storm Ciaran hitting, while in Scotland there are 18 flood warnings and 11 flood alerts in place.
More flood warnings are expected to be issued before the end of the day.
A red warning was put in place in Jersey from November 1 through to November 2, with residents urged to stay home.
Northern France is also expected to be impacted by the storm with winds of up to 100mph predicted.
Storm Ciaran comes just weeks after Storm Babet wreaked havoc across Britain, leaving seven people dead and around 1,250 homes around the UK flooded.
Fresh weather warnings issued for Saturday
Bad news for those looking forward to bonfire night, the Met Office has issued a fresh yellow weather warning for Saturday.
The warning covers parts of the Southeast and will be active from 3pm until 11.59pm, the Met Office said.
"Frequent heavy showers, along with gusty winds, are likely to cause travel disruption and flooding of a few places," it warned.
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By Henry Moore
Which areas have been affected by Storm Ciaran?
Over the evening of November 1 into November 2, 2023, Storm Ciaran swept over northern France, the Channel Islands and southern England.
Residents in Jersey have been advised to stay home as police recorded winds of 104mph.
Meanwhile in Hampshire, Jersey, and on the Isle of Wight a major incident has been declared.
Schools have closed in Jersey, Southampton, Isle of Wight and some areas across Devon and Cornwall and popular ferry services have been suspended due to the red weather warnings in the Channel Islands.
Meanwhile, the south west and south east of England and parts of Wales have had amber alerts issued.
Strongest winds recorded in the UK today
The Met Office has shared a look at some of the highest winds seen across the UK today.
From 93mph at Jersey Airport to 71mph in Langdon Bay, it's been a windy one that's for sure.
More than 16,000 homes on National Grid left without power as Cornwall battered by Storm Ciaran
As Storm Ciaran continues to bombard the UK, thousands of Cornish homes have been left without power.
Around 16,000 households in the path of the storm are without power, an Energy Networks Association spokesman told The Sun.
This comes as winds over 100mph have been recorded in Jersey, forcing many to leave their homes.
POWER OUT More than 16k homes left without electricity across UK as Storm Ciaran hits
More tips on driving during storms
Other tips to stay safe when driving in high and strong winds include the following:
- Avoid overtaking
- Keep your distance from other vehicles – especially high-sided vehicles and caravans
- Avoid towing
- Don't take your roof box with you – leave it at home as this can increase the impact of crosswinds on your vehicle
- Be vigilant and look out for debris in the road – if you spot twigs or small branches on your journey, this could indicate that a tree or branch may be in the way around the next bend
- Plan ahead
- Keep an eye out for hanging trees
- Keep to main roads
- Park safely to avoid damage and danger – try not to park near or under trees, telephone wires or poles that could be at risk of falling on your car
- If your vehicle is susceptible to strong wind conditions, consider delaying your journey until weather conditions improve if you can
How to stay safe while driving in high winds
There are a number of tips to keep in mind in order to stay safe when driving in high and strong winds.
Drivers are advised to keep both hands on the wheel firmly to provide extra control and to prepare for any stronger winds that may be on the way.
Motorists should also pay attention to the speed when driving in high or strong winds.
The AA advises drivers to keep their speed down to minimise the impact of wind gusts, to take care and to leave extra room for motorcyclists and cyclists – it's important to not only keep yourself safe, but also other road users.
In pictures: Storm Ciaran batters UK
The UK has been battered by Storm Ciaran this morning, with gusts of 104mph recorded along the coast.
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By Henry Moore
Schools set to close in Devon today
- Plymtree Church Of England Primary School
- Woodbury Church Of England Primary School
- Southbrook School
- St Helen's Church of England School
- Pilton Community College
- Uplowman Church Of England Primary School
- Halberton Primary School
- Hatherleigh Community Primary School
- Lady Seaward's Church of England Primary School
- The Topsham School
- Clyst Vale Community College
- Doddiscombsleigh Primary School
- Ashburton Primary School
- Brixington Primary Academy
- Kenton Primary School
- Kenn Church Of England Primary School
- Cullompton Community College
- Tiverton High School
- South Dartmoor Community College
- South Molton Community College
- Tavistock Primary & Nursery School
- Stokenham Area Primary School
- Aveton Gifford CofE Primary School
- Castle Primary School
- Exbourne Church Of England Primary School
- Chagford Church Of England Primary School
- South Tawton Primary School
- Chudleigh Knighton Church Of England Primary School
- Uffculme Primary School
- Bere Alston Primary Academy
- Great Torrington School
- North Tawton Community Primary School and Nursery
- Northlew And Ashbury Parochial Church Of England Primary School
- Bridgerule Church Of England Primary School
- Milton Abbot School
- Hazeldown School
- Boasley Cross Community Primary School
- Tidcombe Primary School
- St James Church of England Primary and Nursery School
- Bowhill Primary School
- Tipton St John Church Of England Primary School
- Okehampton Primary School and Foundation Unit
- Colyton Primary Academy
- St Mary's Church of England Primary School, Brixton
- Littleham Church of England Primary School
- Ashwater Primary School
- Bideford College
- Halwill Community Primary School
- Kings Nympton Community Primary School
- Uffculme School
- Woodbury Salterton Church Of England Primary School
- Farway Church Of England Primary School
- Broadhembury Church of England Primary School
- Ilfracombe Church Of England Junior School
- Winkleigh Primary School
- St Michael's Church of England Primary School
- Whitchurch Community Primary School
- Hawkchurch Church Of England School
- The Lampard Community School
- Musbury Primary School
- Newton Abbot College
- Highweek Community Primary and Nursery School
- High Bickington Church of England Primary Academy
- Branscombe Church Of England Primary School
- Lydford Primary School
- Highampton Community Primary School
- St Catherine's CofE Primary School
- Sidmouth Church Of England (VA) Primary School
- Black Torrington Church Of England Primary School
- Pathfield School
- Holsworthy Church Of England Primary School
- Bradford Primary School
- Cockwood Primary School
- Tavistock College
- Brayford Academy
- Bridestowe Primary School
- Teignmouth Community School, Mill Lane
- Ipplepen Primary School
- Teignmouth Community School, Exeter Road
- Feniton Church Of England Primary School
- Shaldon Primary School
- Witheridge Church Of England Primary Academy
- St Andrew's Church of England Primary School
- Kingsbridge Community Primary School
- Holsworthy Community College
- St Thomas Primary School
- Alphington Primary School
- Mill Water School
- Decoy Primary School (partial closure)
- Beaford Community Primary & Nursery School
Weather warning update
The Met Office has narrowed the Amber weather warning in the southeast today.
The region it covers has been reduced and it is now set to end by 12pm today.
Full list of Cornwall school closures
Here are all the school closures in Cornwall today:
- Altarnun Primary School
- Camborne School and International Science Academy
- Egloskerry School
- Launceston Primary School
- Marazion School (opening late 10am)
- Mousehole School (opening late 9am)
- Newlyn School (opening late 9.30am)
- Penwith Alternative Provision Academy
- St Levan Primary School (opening late 10am)
- Stratton Primary School (opening late 10.30-11am)
- The Roseland Academy (opening late 10am)
What to expect from heavy winds
The Met Office has warned of the following consequences from todays storm warnings.
- 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
Latest news as Storm Ciaran hits UK
- More than 300 schools have been closed across the UK
- Wind gusts officially reached 104mph in Jersey
- Police on the Channel Islands said about 40 people have been evacuated from their homes due to fierce winds
- The wild weather comes just two weeks after Storm Babet brought flooding with seven people killed
Tornado warnings as England battered by Storm Ciaran
The Tornado and Storm Research has warned that the south of England could even be hit by a 90mph twister today.
There have been reports of a tornado in Jersey – but the local weather service is yet to confirm it.
And in a post on Twitter, now known as X, at around 03.30am, Jersey police said that it had already moved 39 people due to storm damage to their homes overnight, while three others have been taken to hospital.
They said: "So far tonight 29 adults, 6 children and 7 pets have been relocated in hotel accommodation due to property damage. Four people and a cat have relocated to another address and 3 people have been taken to A&E."
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By Henry Moore
Man dies in France amid extreme weather
A man has died in France as Storm Ciaran's impact is felt across Northern Europe.
1.2 million French households are without power this morning amid 128mph winds battering coastlines.
Transport Minister Clement Beaune told Fanceinfo radio that a lorry driver died in the Aisne department when a tree fell on his vehicle.
"This shows that even in regions that are not on red alert, there is a very high risk on the road," Mr Beaune said.
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By Henry Moore
How long will the weather warnings last?
For much of today England will be subject to several Met Office weather warnings.
The Southwest will see the Amber warning clear by 11am, a Met Office Tweet confirms.
Meanwhile, the Southwest of England can expect severe weather until at least 5pm this evening.
Jersey is currently under a Red warning, with evacuations taking place this morning amid 104mph winds.
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By Henry Moore
All P&O ferry services from Dover and Calais cancelled
P&O Ferries have cancelled all services from Dover and Calais today amid extreme wind and rain.
The company said they will only resume journeys when "it is safe to do so."
"Due to Storm Ciaran, our services are suspended until further notice," it said.
"We apologise for any inconvenience and thank you for your patience."
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By Henry Moore
104mph winds recorded as evacuations take place
Wind speeds of up to 104mph have plunged the Island of Jersey into chaos this morning.
40 residents had been evacuated by the early hours of this morning as fire and rescue teams worked to secure the island.
The Jersey Fire & Rescue X account warned of "very dangerous" conditions.
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By Henry Moore
Who names storms?
When the criteria for naming a storm is met, either the Met Office, Met Éireann in Ireland or the Dutch weather service KNMI can name a storm.
Once a name has been chosen, the Met Office publish details via their website and social media channels.
If other mereological agencies name storms first, then the names are adopted by the Met Office, Met Éireann and KNMI.
The UK, Ireland and the Netherlands work together to name storms, however, elsewhere in Europe, Portugal, Spain, Luxembourg, France and Belgium collaborate.
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By Henry Moore
Find out if your child's school is shut today
Storm Ciaran is wreaking havoc across the UK, forcing hundreds of schools to shut their doors.
Hundreds of schools in southern England and the Channel Islands will close today to keep kids safe.
Around 51 schools in Southampton, four in the Isle of Wight, 224 in Devon, 22 in Cornwall, 9 in East Sussex, and 10 in Dorset are to close.
All schools in Jersey and a further 30 in Cornwall in two in Dorset will be fully or partly shut.
Find out the full list of closed schools below:
SCHOOL'S OUT Full list of schools closed as Storm Ciarán brings 104mph gales & heavy rain
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By Henry Moore
72 flood warnings issued across England
72 flood warnings and 172 flood alerts were issued across England ahead of Storm Ciaran hitting, while in Scotland there are 18 flood warnings and 11 flood alerts in place.
A red warning was put in place in Jersey from November 1 through to November 2, with residents urged to stay home.
Northern France is also expected to be impacted by the storm with winds of up to 100mph predicted.
Storm Ciaran comes just weeks after Storm Babet wreaked havoc across Britain, leaving seven people dead and around 1,250 homes around the UK flooded.
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By Henry Moore
When did Storm Ciaran hit?
Storm Ciaran is expected to hit the UK in the evening of Wednesday, November 1 – though its full impact will be felt today.
Though the storm isn't to officially hit until the night of November 1, the impact of Ciaran – the third named storm of the season – has already been felt.
Ahead of Ciaran's arrival in the UK, parts of Northern Ireland were flooded, with people being warned not to travel.
The Met Office has reported that rainfall of between 75 and 100mm is expected this week.
Brits can also expect "very strong and potentially damaging winds associated with Storm Ciaran possible on Thursday".
80mph winds are expected along the south coast of England, with more exposed areas at risk of speeds of up to 90mph.
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By Henry Moore
Storm Ciaran batters UK as amber warning issued
The Met Office has issued an Amber Weather Warning across much of the southeast as Storm Ciaran batters coastlines and causes travel chaos.
Met Office Deputy Chief Meteorologist, Brent Walker, said: “Wind and rain warnings associated with Storm Ciarán are in force from tonight through until Friday, with further updates possible. These include Amber warnings for wind for parts of southwest England on Thursday morning and the far south and southeast of England Thursday daytime and early evening.
“Very strong winds are expected along southern coastal areas of England in particular, where gusts of 70 to 80mph are possible, perhaps exceeding 85 mph in a few exposed locations. Further inland, gusts could reach up to 50 or 60mph.
“As well as strong winds, there will be heavy rain across many parts of the UK. Much of southern and western England, Wales, northeast England and eastern Scotland look to see the wettest conditions between Wednesday evening and Friday morning. 20-30 mm of rain is likely to fall quite widely, with 40-60 mm possible over higher ground. Some parts of Wales and southwest England may see 80 mm of rain. This rain will fall on already saturated ground, bringing the risk of flooding.”
Source: Read Full Article
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By Henry Moore
