Storm Barney to Raise Flood Risk & Damaging Winds Across UK

Barney, the second storm to be named by the U.K. Met Office this season, was expected to bring additional rain and damaging winds to the United Kingdom, according to a report issued by AccuWeather.

“Barney will be a fast-moving storm, bringing locally strong winds to southern Ireland and the southern U.K. beginning midday Tuesday and continuing into Tuesday night,” AccuWeather Meteorologist Eric Leister said.

Winds will gust to 75 mph (120 km/h) in the areas hit hardest, including Cardiff, Plymouth and Bristol through Tuesday night, the report said, noting that in Greater London, winds will be weaker but could still gust in excess of 50 mph (80 km/h).

Winds at this speed can take down tree limbs, cause power outages and result in minor to moderate coastal flooding, especially at high tide, AccuWeather said.

In addition to wind, Barney will also cause heavy rain in Northern Ireland into Wales and Northwest England, the report added. “The rainy spell will worsen flooding from ex-Hurricane Kate over the weekend.”

“Additional rain by Barney will make flooding problems worse in the regions that were worst-hit over the weekend,” AccuWeather Meteorologist Tyler Roys said.

Rainfall from Barney will generally total around 25 mm (1 inch), but as much as 50 mm (2 inches) can fall in some areas, the report went on to say.

“The Environment Agency has issued a yellow low-risk flood warning for Wales and the North East and North West of England on Tuesday and Wednesday,” AccuWeather said, adding that the storm will depart the U.K. Tuesday night, but unsettled weather will continue in the days that follow.

“Right on the heels of Barney, the next storm will bring another round of gusty winds and rainfall to similar areas on Wednesday,” Leister said.

[This report was compiled by Jillian MacMath, staff writer for AccuWeather.com.]

Source: AccuWeather.com

Topics Windstorm Flood