UK braces itself for a battering from Storm Diana as winds approach 70mph
Brits are set to endure a downpour and buffeting winds as Storm Diana hits the UK today.
The Met Office issued yellow weather warnings for western part of the UK this morning, with delays expected to public transport and routes carrying large vehicles from gales of up to 70mph.
Severe rainfall will affect other parts of the UK, with the storm expected to bring between 60mm and 80mm of rain.
While strong winds are set to continue into tomorrow, temperatures should remain mild at highs around 15C in the south east of England.
It came a day after fog disrupted flights at Heathrow and Gatwick in the south east, ruining holiday plans for tens of thousands of passengers.
Air traffic firm Eurocontrol warned of “very high” flight delay risks at Heathrow and London City while Gatwick also suffered disruption, with dozens of flights affected altogether.
The Met Office said: “A very unsettled spell of weather is expected, with strong winds, combined with widespread and in places heavy rain. Winds are expected to increase from the far southwest early on Wednesday, spreading northeast, with areas adjacent to the Irish Sea most exposed to the south to southeasterly wind.
“Wind gusts of 60 mph are expected, with a few more exposed locations seeing 70 mph gusts. Winds will also turn west to southwesterly across Northern Ireland and western Scotland later, transferring the main focus for strong winds here, then finally to northern Scotland through the evening.
“The strong winds will also bring some rough seas and large waves, with some coastal impacts possible. Winds will moderate across the south of the warning area by evening and then across remaining parts overnight.”