Admin l Thursday, February 23, 2017
UNITED KINGDOM – Storm Doris has tracked across Northern Ireland and northern England today (Thursday), bringing strong winds, heavy rain and some snow at higher levels for large areas of the country.
According to MET police, a number of Amber and Yellow National Severe Weather warnings are in place across the UK for snow, rain, wind and ice.
It said a wind gust of 94 mph was recorded at Capel Curig in Gywnedd, North Wales and a gust of 87 mph at High Bradfield in South Yorkshire. By 4pm this afternoon Aboyne in Aberdeenshire had seen 3cm of snow and Tulloch Bridge in Inverness-shire 2cm, with reports of larger amounts on higher ground.
Transport Minister, Humza Yousaf said: “Transport Scotland is working with the relevant organisations, such as Police Scotland and the road operating companies, to try to mitigate the effects of this latest set of wintry conditions but we would ask road users to be mindful that disruption is likely and to plan accordingly.
RAC Traffic Watch spokesman Rod Dennis said: “Motorists are advised to take extra care as Storm Doris impacts the UK, be prepared to reduce your speed, allow plenty of room between your car and the vehicle in front and be wary of aquaplaning where water accumulates on the road.
“Be mindful that there will be strong gusts of wind, so ensure you have a good grip of the steering wheel and take extra care when overtaking high-sided vehicles and passing motorcyclists and cyclists who are susceptible to be buffeted and blown off course the wind.”
Chief Meteorologist Eddy Carroll said: “Apart from the fact that some places over southern Scotland have had less snow than expected, storm Doris is behaving itself. It has undergone explosive cyclogenesis, and is giving damaging winds across parts of England and Wales.”
“As Storm Doris moves eastwards over the North Sea later today the winds and snow will ease, but ice could be a hazard over parts of the north overnight.”
“Friday will bring a welcome break from the unsettled conditions with some sunny spells for many and much calmer winds after a cold start with a risk of icy patches.”
Deputy Chief Meteorologist Dan Harris added: “Saturday however will see further strong winds and another spell of wet weather, particularly over the northwest of the UK where the rain is likely to be locally heavy and persistent.”
