Northern Ireland

Severe weather warning with Storm Aileen set to batter Northern Ireland

The Met Office has issued a severe weather warning for Northern Ireland with wind speeds set to reach 75mph in some places..
The Met Office has issued a severe weather warning for Northern Ireland with wind speeds set to reach 75mph in some places.. The Met Office has issued a severe weather warning for Northern Ireland with wind speeds set to reach 75mph in some places..

The Met Office has issued a severe weather warning for Northern Ireland with wind speeds set to reach 75mph in some places.

Storm Aileen, which is set to hit the north this evening, is the first storm to be named since this season's names were released last week, as part of the scheme by the Met Office and Met Eireann to raise awareness of extreme weather in the UK and Ireland

A predicted 1.5 inches (3.8cm) is forecast to fall in up to nine hours in Northern Ireland and Scotland, which could cause flooding.

Forecasters say homes and businesses in these areas could also be affected.

Met Office's chief forecaster said: "The strongest winds are expected to arrive in the west of the region later on Tuesday evening and move eastwards overnight.

"There is some uncertainty in peak wind strengths and how quickly winds will ease on Wednesday morning.

"Heavy rain will be an additional hazard, especially in the north of the warning area, resulting in especially difficult driving conditions. This warning has been expanded in area and with the likelihood of "medium" impacts increased."

The Met Office has also  issued a yellow weather warning for the north of England down to the Midlands, as well as Scotland and Wales, which is in place from 8pm until 10am on Wednesday.

Road, rail and air services may be affected with longer journey times and cancellations possible, along with some restriction to roads and bridges.

There is a also small chance of power cuts, and some damage to buildings such as tiles blowing off roofs, the Met Office said.

Forecasters say the gales will be coupled with heavy rain, causing hazardous driving conditions.

A weather warning is in place from 4pm until 6am on Wednesday.

On Monday, flooding hit motorways, roads and railways in the north of England during morning rush hour.

Motorists were left stranded in cars as localised flooding hit roads in Oldham, and further east of Manchester roads in Mossley were swamped by the deluge running off the Pennine hills into the town. There are no reports of injury or damage to property.

Replacement bus services were put on for TransPennine train services between Manchester Victoria and Huddersfield after the railway line at Stalybridge, Tameside, flooded.

Flooding also hit a section of the M60 motorway in Salford with Transport for Greater Manchester urging drivers to take extra care due to the amount of water on the roads.