Storm Dudley arrives in UK bringing 129kph winds and heavy downpours

Storm Dudley will be followed on Friday by Storm Eunice, which could be even more damaging

Heavy rain and ferocious winds battered parts of the UK as Storm Dudley struck on Wednesday.

The Met Office has issued an amber warning for strong winds covering central Scotland, parts of Northern Ireland and northern England above Hull.

It is expected to last until midnight on Wednesday, with yellow wind warnings in place as far south as Birmingham.

As of 5pm, Capel Curig in Wales had experienced gusts of up to 130 kilometres per hour, with Emley Moore in Yorkshire seeing 119kph winds. Drumalbin, in Scotland, was hit by 114kph gales.

Social media users shared images and videos of fallen trees, large waves smashing coastal areas, howling winds and rain sweeping through quiet roads and dark and gloomy skies, with some facing delays on public transport.

“We’ve seen Storm Dudley move in over the course of today with strong winds and heavy rain across northern parts of the country," said Met Office forecaster Greg Dewhurst.

“This is a complete contrast to areas in the south which have been rather mild and calm for the most part, the temperature even reaching 17°C in some areas.

“Exposed areas in Scotland, Northern Ireland, parts of Wales and northern England have seen wind speeds largely between 97 and 113kph but the worst affected areas have reached and even surpassed 129kph this afternoon.

“In terms of rainfall the highest we’ve seen in the past 24 hours is 36.8mm in Low Laithes in West Yorkshire, which is a good amount for the time period.

“These conditions are likely to continue into the evening before mellowing out in the early hours of Thursday.”

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  Waves crash against Roker Lighthouse in Sunderland, northern England during Storm Arwen. The storm's 160kph gusts battered parts of the UK at the weekend. Photo: PA

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  A fallen tree in Crook, Cumbria, which was brought down by Storm Arwen. Photo: PA

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  Fallen garden trees in Wallasey Village, Wirral, England. Photo: PA

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  Storm Arwen brought down this tree in Willaston, Cheshire. Photo: PA

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  Falling masonry damaged this car in Sunderland, northern England. Photo: PA

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  A fallen tree blocks a road in the centre of Norton village, County Durham after Storm Arwen's gusts of almost 160kph battered some areas of the UK. Photo: PA

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  A homeowner, who lost the roof of his house in strong winds, takes a picture of his property in Blackhall, County Durham. Photo: PA

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  A lorry blown over by high winds blocks a road near Hartlepool, County Durham. Photo: PA

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  Motorists drive through a heavy snow shower as it passes over Saltburn by the Sea in North Yorkshire. Photo: Getty

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  A woman walks her dogs in a heavy snow shower over Saltburn by the Sea, North Yorkshire as Storm Arwen sweeps across parts of the UK. Photo: Getty

The Environment Agency had one flood warning in place as of Wednesday afternoon, near the Lake District.

East Midlands Railway and London North Eastern Railway have warned customers to expect disruption to services in the next few days.

ScotRail wound down almost all services from 4pm amid fears of falling trees and blowing debris. Wind speeds are expected to exceed 129kph.

Ferries in Scotland have also been severely disrupted, with cancellations on 20 of the 29 routes.

Historic Scotland announced the early closure of eight of its sites on Wednesday afternoon, including Edinburgh, Stirling and Blackness castles, Glasgow Cathedral and Melrose Abbey.

These conditions will be followed on Friday by Storm Eunice, which could be even more damaging, with stronger winds than Dudley, heavy snow and possible blizzard conditions.

Another amber warning has been issued, with the potential for stronger winds, and predictions that gusts could top 90mph in the South West and South Wales.

The Environment Agency has warned of the risk of flooding to coastal areas in southern England on Friday.

“Strong winds could bring coastal flooding to parts of the west, south-west and south coast of England, as well as the tidal River Severn, through the early hours of Friday morning and into the early afternoon,” said flood duty manager Katharine Smith.

“This is due to Storm Eunice resulting in high waves and potential storm surge coinciding with the start of a period of spring tides.”

She said agency teams were making preparations, erecting barriers and clearing litter-collecting screens of excess debris.

The Energy Networks Association has offered safety advice ahead of the storms.

“It’s really important to stay safe when bad weather hits. If you come across fallen power lines or damage to the electricity network, stay well clear and call 105 for free to report it. If there is an immediate risk to life or someone is in danger, dial 999,” said spokesman Ross Easton.

Green Flag has predicted a spike in breakdowns across the country over the coming days.

“As a result of these weather conditions, we urge drivers to remain cautious and to carry out the relevant safety checks before setting off on their journeys,” said Mark Newberry, commercial director at Green Flag.

“It’s particularly important that people are as prepared as possible to withstand the high expected wind speeds and potential snow in some areas.”