Image source, BBC Weather Watcher/snaphappydave
The Met Office has issued a yellow weather warning for wind
Dozens of flights have been cancelled as Storm Kathleen brings strong winds and potentially the warmest day of the year to parts of the UK.
About 70 flights departing and arriving at UK airports before midday were cancelled after the Met Office issued a yellow weather warning for wind.
Rail and ferry services have also been affected in Scotland.
Gusts of up to 70mph are expected in the UK and temperatures could rise 22C (71.6F) in eastern England.
This would beat the highest temperatures of the year so far, when the mercury hit 19.9C (67.8F) in north-west Scotland in January.
The most significant impacts of the storm will be felt by north-west and south-west of England and parts of Northern Ireland, Scotland and Wales.
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The 11th named storm in eight months, Storm Kathleen was named by the Irish met service, Met Éireann, because the Republic of Ireland is expected to feel its effects most acutely.
At Belfast City Airport in Northern Ireland, all Aer Lingus services have been cancelled.
EasyJet flights to and from the Isle of Man have also been axed.
Coastal areas in Ireland have been hit by high winds
While winds of 50-60mph are expected quite widely across the UK on Saturday, some Irish Sea coastal regions have seen gusts of 69mph and large waves.
Parts of Scotland have also seen very high winds, with the UK’s strongest gusts of 98mph recorded at the summit of Cairngorm, a mountain in the Scottish Highlands.
P&O Ferries have cancelled ferry services travelling between Larne in Northern Ireland and Cairnryan in Scotland. Ferry services to and from the Isle of Man have also been disrupted.
The strong winds have also seen sports matches rearranged, with Saturday evening’s EPCR Challenge Cup rugby match between Edinburgh Rugby and Aviron Bayonnais moved to Scottish Gas Murrayfield Stadium from Hive Stadium.
Image source, BBC Weather Watcher / Aspers
The Met Office has warned of “large waves and beach material being thrown onto sea fronts”
Storm Kathleen is expected to ease by Sunday evening.
Met Office meteorologist Ellie Glaisyer said: “The storm is the reason we are seeing the warmer temperatures, because the location of the storm – situated out towards the west of the UK – is bringing a southerly wind across the UK.
“This is bringing those warmer temperatures from the continent, meaning we are likely to see temperatures reaching 22C.”
She added: “However, the further west you are, where those strongest winds are in that yellow warning area, despite the temperatures being above average it will feel a little colder.”
More than 110 flood alerts are in place across England. The Environment Agency has issued 14 flood warnings where flooding is expected.
RAC Breakdown spokesman Rod Dennis said: “This intense period of stormy weather is going to prove extremely challenging for anyone driving on the western side of the UK.
“We strongly urge drivers to avoid exposed coasts and higher routes where the impact of the very strong winds is most likely to be felt.”
William Turner is a seasoned U.K. correspondent with a deep understanding of domestic affairs. With a passion for British politics and culture, he provides insightful analysis and comprehensive coverage of events within the United Kingdom.
