Map shows Liverpool facing 55mph winds as Storm Ashley hits

Met Office meteorologist Dan Stroud said “very strong, severe gales” on Sunday coincide with high spring tides Warnings for wind and rain have come into effect as parts of the UK are hit by Storm Ashley. Heavy rain and strong winds are predicted in places with the first named storm of the season “likely” to bring a threat of injuries and danger to life, the Met Office has said. By 4pm today, Liverpool is expected to experience gusts of 50 mph , increasing to 55 mph by 8pm.

The strong winds will persist until 7am tomorrow morning. A yellow warning for wind came into place for the entirety of Scotland and Northern Ireland and parts of north-west England and Wales at 3am and runs until midnight on Sunday. An amber warning for the north-west of Scotland has been issued from 9am until midnight with the weather service warning “injuries and danger to life is likely from large waves and beach material being thrown onto coastal roads, sea fronts and properties”.



Met Office meteorologist Dan Stroud said “very strong, severe gales” on Sunday coincide with high spring tides, which could also result in “very large waves”. Mr Stroud said strong, gale-force winds are due to continue through to Monday morning meaning “fallen debris and trees” could impact commuters at the start of the week. The Met Office said Sunday will be a “widely windy day” with storm-force wins in the northwest.

Rain will spread eastwards ahead of sunny spells, but with gusty winds moving east during the afternoon. Meteorologist Ellie Glaisyer said: “Parts of western Scotland could see gusts of 70-80mph during the afternoon. It will turn drier and brighter across much of England and Wales with some sunny spells during the afternoon.

” Winds are expected to ease on Monday with rain moving into the southeast. The north is expected to remain blustery for much of the week. The Environment Agency’s website listed 41 active flood warnings on Sunday morning, meaning flooding is expected, and 132 flood alerts, meaning flooding is possible.

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