Storm Debi LIVE: More than 100 flood alerts in place as torrential downpours drench northern England and Scotland – while powerful 80mph gusts strike

Recovery operations are under way after Storm Debi swept across Ireland, forcing some schools to close and disrupting public transport services.

A woman was taken to hospital after being hit by flying debris in Limerick, as the storm also brought coastal flooding and widespread power outages across Ireland.

The majority of the country was placed under red and orange wind warnings on Monday as Irish forecaster Met Eireann warned of ‘severe and damaging gusts’, with the last of the warnings lifting by 3pm.

With weather warnings in Ireland now expired, the focus turned to clearing roads of debris, reconnecting the 70,000 homes and businesses left without power and helping those hit by flooding.

Taoiseach Leo Varadkar said he is sorry to hear about the impact of Storm Debi on parts of Ireland, adding it is the Government’s intention to expand a support scheme for businesses affected by the severe weather on Monday.

Mr Varadkar said: ‘I’m really sorry to hear about the impact of the severe weather around the country. I know it’s been particularly hard in Galway – both in the city and the county area.’

He said the enterprise support scheme, which was introduced following flooding in Midleton last month, has to go through a formal Government decision to be expanded to Galway, but added this is ‘really just a formality’.

‘We really want to help businesses get back on their feet, particularly so close to Christmas, which is such an important time for retail sector and the hospitality sector in particular.’

There could be more very unsettled weather, this time in southern England, on Tuesday, with thunderstorms and heavy rain coming in from the west.

Met Office spokesman Stephen Dixon said: ‘There will be a band of squally showers from 5am.

‘We could see some sudden downpours within that band of thundery showers, with 15-20mm of rain in a relatively short period of time, gusty winds and thunder and lightning.’

And there is the potential for more wet and windy weather later in the week, Mr Dixon said.

• If the road is flooded, turn around and find another route. The number one cause of death during flooding is driving through flood water, so the safest advice is turn around.
• Although the water may seem shallow, just 12 inches (30cm) of moving water can float your car, potentially taking it to deeper water from which you may need rescuing.
• Flood water also contains hidden hazards which can damage your car, and just an egg-cupful of water sucked into your car’s engine will lead to severe damage.
• Never drive through flood water. Turn around.

People across the UK have been thrown into travel chaos as flights were cancelled and trains have been delayed as Storm Debi arrived in the UK.

British Airways has cancelled 50 flights from London Heathrow today after parts of northern Ireland, northwest Wales and northern England were hammered by winds of up 77mph this afternoon.

The Telegraph reported that departures from the capital to Aberdeen, Belfast, Manchester, Newcatsle, Edinburgh and Glasgow have all been grounded while services to other cities in Europe have also been axed.

NIE Networks said about 2,000 customers were without power, mainly around Craigavon, Newry and Downpatrick.

A number of roads were closed in the Ballymena area due to fallen trees and the Department for Infrastructure said there were reports of a landslip on the A2 Shore Road in Glenarm.

Cars struggled through flood water on roads surrounding Cookstown in Co Tyrone, while SDLP councillor Malachy Quinn said a woman in Coalisland had lifted her child over her head as floodwater impacted the King’s Row area.

The PSNI have also warned of floods in South Belfast.

High winds and rain from Storm Debi were causing road closures and disruption to public transport across Northern Ireland.

Police have urged people to stay at home, with a yellow weather warning in place until 2pm.

The Met Office said Storm Debi would track across the region, with gusts of around 65mph expected through Co Antrim and Co Down.

The image below shows the canal in Newry, one of the worst affected areas of flooding in recent weeks with persistently high water levels as Storm Debi moves into Northern Ireland.

Some 108 flood alerts have been issued in the UK, which means flooding is possible.

Meanwhile, there are 10 flood warnings in place where flooding is expected.

23 flood warnings have been removed in the last 24 hours.

Remembrance Sunday wreaths have been removed from the Cenotaph and St John’s Gardens in Liverpool to prevent them being damaged by strong winds broguht by Storm Debi

Rail passengers are facing disruption as Storm Debi sweeps in, with speed restrictions being put in place and some services halted due to flooding.

The Met Office has issued a yellow warning of heavy rain for Aberdeenshire, Aberdeen, Angus and Moray which is in place from 10am until 9pm on Monday.

Network Rail Scotland said speed limits will have to be put in place as a result of the weather.

Trains are unable to run on the line between Dumfries and Sanquhar as a result of heavy flooding.

A restriction is already in place as a result of the weather on the West Highland line between Garelochhead and Crianlarich.

Parts of north-east Scotland likely to see heavy rain were also battered by Storm Babet last month, including Brechin in Angus, where hundreds of homes had to be evacuated after the river South Esk breached its banks.

In a post on X, formerly known as Twitter, Network Rail said: ‘Storm Debi isn’t expected to impact our network as much as recent storms but the high winds & heavy rain do mean that we need to limit train speeds on a few sections of track from 17:00 today until 08:00 tomorrow on several sections of track between Montrose & Portlethen and also between Huntly and Insch.

‘Additionally, a speed restriction is already in place on the West Highland Line until 08:30 tomorrow between Garelochhead and Crianlarich.’

The Met Office, RAC and the National Highways, have offered advice to drivers braving Storm Debi.

1. Stick of main roads if possible: You are less likely to be exposed to fallen branches and debris
2. Grip your steering wheel firmly with both hands
3. Keep enough room either side of your vehicle so you can account for it being blown sideways
4. Be aware of gaps between trees, buildings or bridges where you are more likely to be exposed to side winds

Dr Jess Neumann, Associate Professor of Hydrology at the University of Reading, has explained why storms are named and what the public can do to keep safe.

She said: ‘The naming of Storm Debi communicates to the public that more severe weather is expected. Yellow and amber weather warnings for heavy rain and strong winds are in force across Ireland, North West Wales and England. A yellow weather warning for heavy rain also covers the NE of Scotland, which was heavily impacted by Storm Babet last month.

‘Ongoing wet weather in the past month has left the ground saturated and many rivers swollen. Communities in all affected areas should prepare for potential flooding.

‘Flood alerts are already in force – many of these may be upgraded to flood warnings in the coming hours as the forecasts update. Strong winds and high tides mean coastal communities are at increased risk throughout the day with a possible danger to life from flying debris and large waves.

‘I would advise that everyone checks their Government websites for up-to-date information and warnings which can help people prepare in advance for adverse weather conditions and potential flooding.

‘Having a flood preparedness plan in place can help save lives, property and valuables. If you are at risk of flooding, prepare an emergency flood kit now (e.g. torch, batteries, warm clothes, baby/child supplies) and work out how to turn off gas and electric supplies if needed. Have a plan for moving your valuable possessions and pets out of harm’s way in good time and make sure family members and neighbours who may be vulnerable get the help they need.’

• Even moderate rain can reduce your ability to see and be seen. A good rule of thumb is ‘if it’s time for your wipers, it’s time to slow down’
• If heavy downpours are expected, avoid starting your journey until it clears
• If you can, choose main roads, where you are less likely to be exposed to fallen branches and debris and flooding
• Use dipped headlights if visibility is seriously reduced
• Gusts of wind can unsettle vehicles – grip your steering wheel firmly with both hands. This is particularly important when planning to overtake
• Keep an eye out for gaps between trees, buildings or bridges over a river or railway – these are some of the places you are more likely to be exposed to side winds. Ensure that you maintain enough room either side of your vehicle so you can account for it being blown sideways
• Roads will be more slippery than usual in wet weather – be sure to give yourself more time to react when approaching a hazard. Increase your following gap to at least four seconds from the moving traffic in front
• Keep your eyes peeled on the road at all times as spray from other vehicles can suddenly reduce your visibility. Remember it affects others too, so anticipate their actions and be prepared.

Within the warning areas the strongest winds are expected to reach 75mph, or even 80mph, in exposed coastal locations today.

Inland areas are expected to see gusts of 60-65mph.

Storm Debi will move into the North Sea during Monday evening.

Storm Debi has developed, in part, because of a very strong jet stream crossing the Atlantic.

The core of the jet stream is currently located to the south of the UK.

This strong jet stream is responsible for the very unsettled period of weather we are currently experiencing.

Further areas of low pressure are forecast to develop and affect the UK during the coming week.

Storm Debi’s trail of destruction has brought coastal flooding and left around 100,000 homes and businesses without power across Ireland.

Heavy winds and fallen trees have been reported across Ireland as local authorities moved to respond to the damage following the lifting of red and orange weather alerts.

There has been coastal flooding in Galway City and nearby Oranmore.

Downed trees and flooding were reported in Co Cavan while Louth County Council also recorded fallen power lines.

Fire crews in Meath responded to a number of incidents involving vehicles and fallen trees but reported no injuries.

The ESB said it would have to work late through the night to return power to customers.

Forecasters had warned of a potential ‘danger to life’ as schools and services in parts of Ireland delayed opening due to weather warnings across the island.

A yellow warning for every county in Ireland came into effect at midnight and is due to remain until 3pm on Monday.

The majority of the country was also placed under a series of now-expired red and orange wind warnings due to ‘severe and damaging gusts’.

The weather caused disruption to early morning flights at Dublin Airport, while commuters in the city saw cancellations on a number of services.

Dublin Bus and Luas tram services have resumed in the city after being axed before 10am due to the storm.

An Irish postwoman was taken to hospital after being hit by flying debris in County Limerick during Storm Debi, according to the postal service.

In a statement, a spokeswoman for An Post said: ‘Thankfully she was not seriously injured.’

An Post has adjusted schedules due to the storm and deliveries in the north, midlands, south and east of the country will be delayed due to road conditions and power outages.

Storm Debi marks the earliest point in a storm season the letter D has been reached in the alphabet.

Storm seasons run from the start of September to the end of the following August.

The Met Office began naming storms in 2015.

Before 2023, the earliest month in which the letter D had been reached was December, which happened in 2015 (Desmond), 2017 (Dylan) and 2018 (Deirdre).

The named storms in this year’s season so far are Agnes (September 2023), Babet (October), Ciaran (November) and now Debi.

Flooded roads, fallen trees and power cuts brought Storm Debi chaos this morning.

Nearly 250 homes were blacked out in Bristol and almost 230 in Cardiff, with another 140 losing their electricity in Ross-on-Wye as the gales arrived.

Police in Wiltshire warned that roads passing through wooded areas are like

‘The heavy rain is mixing with the autumn leaves and forming a slush which makes it very difficult for tyres to get a grip.

‘If you drive too fast you could easily slide out of control and crash,’ they said.

Jonathan Vautrey, meteorologist for the Met Office, urged people to ‘take care before you travel’ as morning rush hour is expected to be affected.

He said: ‘There will be some heavy rainfall, the potential for flying debris, the potential for disruption to travel and infrastructure in places.’

Weather warnings have been issued for large parts of the UK, as the storm is forecast to sweep across Ireland before reaching northern England and parts of Wales on Monday, with the potential for 80mph gusts in some areas.

A yellow warning for wind, the lowest level of alert, will be in place from 4am until 6pm for areas including Bangor and St Davids in Wales and Manchester, Sheffield and Liverpool in England.

Aberdeenshire in Scotland will have a yellow warning for rain from 10am until 9pm.

Parts of north-east Scotland likely to see heavy rain were also battered by Storm Babet last month, including Brechin in Angus, where hundreds of homes had to be evacuated after the river South Esk breached its banks.

Chief meteorologist Matthew Lehnert said: ‘Storm Debi has developed rapidly overnight and will bring impacts across parts of the UK today.

‘Because of the particular risk of impacts to parts of County Armagh and County Down this morning and parts of northwest England through much of the day we have issued two amber wind warnings.’

The Met Office also warned that roads and bridges are likely to close, meaning longer journey times and public transport and other cancellations are possible, with road, rail, air and ferry services to be affected.

People are also warned that cuts to power, mobile phone reception, and more may occur as the storm batters power and telecommunication lines.

Those in coastal areas are warned to keep away from the waterfront, with large waves and beach material likely to be thrown onto coastal roads, sea fronts, and nearby properties.

An amber weather warning has been issued for parts of north-west England as Storm Debi hits the UK, bringing heavy rain and severe gale-force winds.

The alert is active from 10am until 4pm on Monday and covers coastal areas north of Liverpool up to Whitehaven.

The Met Office has warned Brits living in those areas should be wary of solid and disruptive winds with the possibility of flying debris.

Damage to buildings and structures is likely, and heavy items such as tiles blown from roofs may present a potential danger to life.