Storm Agnes Assaults UK, Leaving Hundreds of Homes Powerless
The UK is grappling with the aftermath of Storm Agnes, which unleashed fierce winds, widespread flooding, and power outages, after initially leaving a trail of destruction in Ireland.
Winds reached a staggering peak of 79mph in the Welsh village of Capel Curig on Wednesday evening, marking the season’s first named storm. Other notable gusts were recorded at 68mph in Aberdaron, Wales, 58mph in Glenanne, Northern Ireland, and 54mph in Camborne, Cornwall.
The Met Office promptly issued a swath of yellow weather warnings throughout the UK, highlighting the potential for severe winds and torrential rains. Consequently, many regions confronted flash floods, travel setbacks, and extended power interruptions.
In one alarming episode, a woman had to be urgently extracted from her vehicle in Co Londonderry, Northern Ireland, when floodwaters rendered it immobile.
An easyJet flight destined for Belfast faced landing challenges due to fierce wind gusts exceeding the aircraft’s limitations. Meanwhile, about 135 households on the Isles of Scilly endured a power blackout lasting nearly four hours, as confirmed by the National Grid.
However, according to the Met Office, the predominant issue confronting the UK has been the potent wind speeds. Meteorologist Dan Stroud relayed to PA news that while gusts are showing signs of diminishing over England and Wales, the northern regions, particularly Northern Ireland and Scotland, continue to face their fury. He anticipates the pinnacle of Storm Agnes’s gusts to wane overnight.
Ireland, the first to bear the brunt of Agnes, faced its share of flooding, transportation hiccups, and uprooted trees blocking thoroughfares. The storm’s impact also extended to the aviation and marine sectors. Co Cork reported an incident where a building’s roof was entirely dislodged by the fierce winds.
RNLI, anticipating the tempest, had cautioned about hazardous coastal conditions. Their prediction materialized when Clifden and Achill Island RNLI had to navigate the treacherous storm to rescue a solitary sailor 10 miles west of Clare Island. The challenging rescue involved battling four-meter swells and Force 8 winds amidst relentless rain.
Despite earlier warnings about the persisting wind conditions till Thursday 7 a.m., they were lifted earlier on Thursday morning. The advisories had encompassed regions spanning Scotland, Northern Ireland, Wales, and significant portions of England.
Rain alerts remained in place for vast regions of Scotland, set to expire by Thursday at 3 a.m.