UK storm– live: Met Office issues rare red weather warning as Storm Babet causes floods in Ireland

The Irish army have been deployed in parts of Cork while Scotland is bracing itself for torrential rain and floods as Storm Babet sweeps across parts of the country.

Dramatic footage shows people wading through water as one local kayaks down a street, while defence forces have been called to the town of Midleton which has become impassable due to floods.

A rare red weather warning has been issued in parts of the UK braces, with downpours expected to cause severe flooding and disruption in parts of the country between Wednesday and the weekend.

Multiple Met Office alerts are in place including the red warning, the most severe the forecaster issues, which is in place in eastern Scotland, between Perth and Aberdeen this Thursday and Friday.

A red warning means that those in the area should “take action now to keep yourself and others safe from the impact of the severe weather”, with substantial disruption to travel likely.

Severe weather warnings for rain and wind have been issued for several areas of the UK, covering already-saturated parts of Scotland, Northern Ireland, and northern and eastern England.

Storm Babet, which developed to the west of the Iberian Peninsula before moving north, is the second named storm of the season and will continue to impact Britain until Saturday, the Met Office said.

Key Points

• UK and Ireland brace for heavy rain and flooding

• All weather warnings in place for UK and Ireland

• Amber weather warning for Scotland as it braces for month's worth of rain

• Satellite image shows Storm Babet churning towards Ireland and the UK

• Wednesday forecast as Storm Babet inches closer

Storm Babet sees thunderous waves crash aginst the shores in Whitley Bay

10:09 , Maryam Zakir-Hussain

This video posted on Twitter shows thunderous waves crashing in Whitley Bay, an English seaside town in the North Tyneside, as Storm Babet wreaks havoc across the UK.

In pictures: Floods swamp Irish town as residents wade through murky water

09:47 , Maryam Zakir-Hussain

East Coast main line chaos

09:20 , Maryam Zakir-Hussain

The East Coast main line from Edinburgh, Newcastle and Yorkshire to London is in some disarray due to a series of problems – of which extreme weather is only one.

Storm Babet has led to the curtailment of an early train from London King’s Cross to Edinburgh; LNER, the train operator, says: “This is due to severe weather.”

Trespassers on the railway between Newcastle and Darlington have caused delays to some trains. Repairs to the Plessey Viaduct, between Cramlington and Morpeth in Northumberland, means only a single line is open – leading to cancellations and delays.

Network Rail said: “Specialist engineers from Network Rail need to carry out repair work to allow a full service.” Disruption is expected until 6 November.

Simon Calder: Storm Babet causing rail, sea and air travel chaos

09:10 , Maryam Zakir-Hussain

Trains, planes and ferries are being affected by Storm Babet – which, warns the Met Office, will bring “exceptional rainfall and impactful wind for some”.

Forecasters have issued a red warning for rain for parts of eastern Scotland, affecting Angus and Aberdeenshire. The warning is in force from 6pm on Thursday through to 12 noon on Friday. It is issued because of “a danger to life from flood water, extensive flooding to homes and businesses and severely disrupted travel conditions”.

The chief meteorologist for the Met Office, Jason Kelly, said: “100–150mm of rain is expected to fall quite widely within the warning period, with some locations likely to see 200–250mm, which is expected to cause considerable impacts with flooding likely.

Our travel correspondent Simon Calder reports:

Storm Babet causing rail, sea and air travel chaos

Clean-up underway after flooding swamps Irish towns

08:42 , Maryam Zakir-Hussain

A major clean-up operation is under way after flooding swamped several towns and villages in Ireland during Storm Babet.

Counties Cork and Waterford on the southern coast of the island were worst hit, with some areas still under water on Thursday morning.

Members of the Irish Defence Forces were deployed as part of the response to the floods.

The army and civil defence units supported evacuation measures in the town of Midleton in Co Cork, where more than 100 properties were flooded.

A number of businesses, including a prominent supermarket, were damaged by the rapidly rising water levels.

While the floods have since receded, almost 500 electricity customers in Midleton remained without power on Thursday morning, with network engineers from ESB working to restore supply.

Cork County Council said more than a month’s worth of rain fell in the space of 24 hours, leading to unprecedented flooding, saturated land and high river levels across the county.

How much rain will you get?

08:00 , Stuti Mishra

Met Office map shows how much rain is expected from #StormBabet between now and Saturday.

All the weather warnings in place for Scotland today

07:30 , Stuti Mishra

An amber rain warning has just started for eastern Scotland that will last upto 6pm tomorrow, with another amber wind warning starting from 10am.

Yellow wind and rain warnings cover much of Scotland and Northern Ireland while a red warning for rain is in place for eastern Scotland starting at 6pm and lasting until noon tomorrow.

'Apocalyptic' flooding causes 'carnage' across Cork County leaving people stranded

06:50 , Stuti Mishra

Cork county minister Simon Coveney said the flooding had "caused carnage" across the area while environment minister Eamon Ryan said his "heart goes out to all the residents and businesses" affected following Storm Babet.

Independent councillor for East Cork Liam Quaide said the scenes of flooding on Mill Street and Main Street in Midleton were "apocalyptic".

"My wife and I were bringing our daughter home from CUH today and we got stranded for several hours with many other local residents on the outskirts of town as both roads home were off limits. We tried a couple of perilous detours and had to turn back," Mr Quaide told the PA news agency.

"The scenes of devastation in Midleton today were an ominous sign of what is ahead of us as a nation if we don't double down on climate mitigation and adaptation."

"I'd like to commend the heroic work of Cork County Council staff, the Fire Service and Civil Defence Forces who worked around the clock evacuating and providing assistance to many people in distress."

Thursday weather forecast for UK

06:28 , Stuti Mishra

As Storm Babet lashes the country with two months’ worth of rainfall between Thursday and Saturday, the Met Office is predicting Thursday to be wet and windy for most of the country.

The forecaster says heavy and prolonged rainfall is expected across parts of Scotland with many areas under red and amber alerts, leading to flooding in places, especially in the east.

However, the rest of the UK will still see some mild sunny spells disrupted by heavy thundery showers in between.

The day will remain windy for all, with severe gales across Scotland.

Overnight, heavy rain will begin arriving across the southeast overnight, spreading to most areas by dawn.

Satellite imagery shows Storm Babet approaching the UK

06:03 , Stuti Mishra

Satellite imagery shows Storm Babet approaching the UK.

Stay at home warning issued for red weather alert areas

05:27 , Stuti Mishra

People in parts of Scotland that are under red alert have been urged to avoid travel and stay at home as Storm Babet is expected to bring severe flooding and disruption.

Schools in Angus will close at lunchtime on Thursday and remain closed on Friday.

The red warning states there is "danger to life from fast flowing or deep floodwater" in Aberdeenshire and Angus, with extensive flooding and road closures also expected, as well as warning of wind gusts in excess of 70mph (113km/h) affecting coastal areas.

It also warned of collapsed or damaged buildings and power cuts, and said some areas could be cut off for days.

Ireland deploys army to evacuate people as Storm Babet floods over a hundred houses

04:49 , Stuti Mishra

Members of the Irish Defence Forces have been deployed to a town in the south of Ireland to deal with extensive flooding due to Storm Babet.

The army and civil defence units supported evacuation measures in the town of Midleton, Co Cork, where more than 100 properties were flooded.

A number of businesses, including a prominent supermarket, were damaged by severe flooding.

Cork County Council said more than a month's worth of rain had fallen in the space of 24 hours, leading to unprecedented flooding, saturated land and high river levels across the county.

"Midleton town is currently impassable with over 100 properties flooded. The council has established a coordination centre in Midleton Fire Station to coordinate arrangements," it said in a statement.

"A rest centre in Midleton Community Centre has been established to facilitate persons who require evacuation."

Recent examples of red weather warnings in the UK

02:00 , Jabed Ahmed

Here are some recent examples of the Met Office issuing a rare red weather warning:Heatwave, July 2022

A heatwave in mid-July 2022 saw temperatures reach unprecedented levels in many parts of the UK, passing 40C for the first time on July 19.

The conditions prompted the Met Office to issue its first ever red warning for extreme heat, covering much of central and southern England.

Storm Eunice, February 2022

Two red warnings for wind were issued for Storm Eunice, covering areas of south-west and south-east England.

It was the most severe and damaging storm to affect England and Wales since 2014, with winds of more than 81mph in exposed coastal locations and a gust of 122mph recorded on the Needles off the coast of the Isle of Wight.

Four people died in the UK and Ireland as a result of falling trees, while more than a million homes were left without power and hundreds of flights were cancelled.

Transport Scotland advises public to avoid travel

01:00 , Jabed Ahmed

Transport Scotland has advised the public to avoid travel in red warning areas and to expect a high risk of disruption in the amber areas.

Operator manager Stein Connelly said: “People need to plan ahead and be prepared. Avoid travel unless essential. If you do need to travel, check before your travel as your journey is likely to be affected by these latest severe weather warnings.

“For those in Angus and South Aberdeenshire, the advice is clear – do not travel during the period the red warning is in effect. The rain is expected to present some really challenging conditions.

“The Multi Agency Response team will be in operation to monitor conditions and co-ordinate our response. However, the public can play a key role by planning ahead.“

The latest Police Scotland advice is to expect a high risk of disruption across central and the north east of Scotland. Police are also asking people not to travel across the areas of Angus and South Aberdeenshire.

Scenes of chaos in Cork

Thursday 19 October 2023 00:01 , Jabed Ahmed

Residents in Cork have shared scenes of the chaos caused by Storm Babet.

One Twitter used shared a compilation of the “devastating flooding”, urging other to stay safe.

Another video shows areas of Midleton hospital submerged under water, as people wade through the floodwater with hospital beds evacuated.

Emergency responders have been called around Cork to help assist residents to safety.

‘Roads which have never flooded now under water’

Wednesday 18 October 2023 23:00 , Lydia Patrick

Co Cork mayor Frank O’Flynn said one month’s worth of rain had fallen in 24 hours.

“This is on top of already saturated lands and high river levels,” he said. “It is evidence, if any were needed, of our changing climate and the issues that it presents.

“I am especially conscious of the advanced preparations that were undertaken by Cork County Council in mitigating the effects of this event and how, despite every effort, homes, businesses and road users have been impacted.

“Areas where flood defence schemes have been completed fared far better than others in the face of this deluge.

“I know from speaking with council staff that some of the issues they are dealing with are unprecedented, with roads which have never flooded now under water.

“I am calling on the people of Cork to please avoid unnecessary travel, take extreme care if you must set off on a journey and please think of vulnerable road users, especially pedestrians and cyclists.

“As a council, we will continue to work across the county, both in a preventative capacity while also dealing with issues as they arise.

“The results of this weather event will be long felt as we move toward a clean-up phase but can I please reiterate the importance of staying safe and together we will come through this weather event.”

‘I would say in 10 years it hasn’t been this bad'

Wednesday 18 October 2023 22:00 , Lydia Patrick

Euan Whelton, 21, from the village of Glandore, in Co Cork, said he has not seen flooding “this bad” for 10 years.

Mr Whelton, an agriculture worker, said the Skibbereen Fire Brigade pumped water from the area for “five or six hours” on Tuesday but said it remained underwater on Wednesday afternoon.

He said that the harbour village was “closed down” in 2013 due to heavy flooding and told the PA news agency: “I would say in 10 years it hasn’t been this bad.”

He added: “There were a few houses down there that were flooded, there was probably a foot or two of water inside the houses.

“There was a riverbank burst and it flooded on the houses down there. There was a high tide as well so it was hard to get the water out.

“The fire brigade was there for probably five or six hours pumping it out but it’s still all underwater at the moment (Wednesday afternoon).”

Watch: People wade through flooded streets as torrential rain batters Ireland

Wednesday 18 October 2023 21:00 , Katy Clifton

Irish army deployed in Cork to assist with relief efforts

Wednesday 18 October 2023 20:37 , Jabed Ahmed

The Irish army has been deployed in East Cork to help assist with relief efforts.

Cork has been the worst affected county in Ireland by storm Babet.

Defence Forces personnel were deployed to the town of Midleton in Co Cork, which was impassable to traffic on Wednesday afternoon due to flooded roads. The units were called to assist with transporting people from affected areas.

Cork County Council has prepared for high tides tonight, fearing that they would delay the draining of flood waters in some of the worst-affected communities, such as Midleton.

From Babet to Walid: How and why storms get their names

Wednesday 18 October 2023 20:00 , Lydia Patrick

The UK is braced for downpours and blustering gales as Storm Babet hurtles towards our shores.

The Met Office has issued red, amber and yellow weather warnings as the “exceptionally heavy” rain is set to hammer down across the UK.

Strong winds are also set to whip up across large swathes of the country, as the forecaster warns gusts upto 70mph could be seen in eastern parts of Scotland.

Flood warnings have also been issued as the British Geological Survey said landslides are also possible. Disruption to travel has already begun as multiple cancellations are seen across the country.

Storm Babet, which developed to the west of the Iberian Peninsula before moving north, is the second named storm of the season and will continue to impact Britain until Saturday, the Met Office said.

From Babet to Walid: How and why storms get their names

Wind surfers enjoy strong winds

Wednesday 18 October 2023 19:30 , Lydia Patrick

Wind surfers in Essex risk Babet’s powerful gusts in Essex.

Red weather warning issued as Scotland braces for heavy rain and floods

Wednesday 18 October 2023 19:19 , Katy Clifton

For those just joining us, a rare red weather alert warning of a “risk to life” has been issued today for parts of Britain as Storm Babet sweeps in from the Atlantic with strong winds and torrential rain.

The Met Office has issued an amber weather warning for parts of eastern Scotland on Thursday, while yellow warnings for rain cover eastern England and the rest of Scotland on Friday.

The red warning states there is “danger to life from fast flowing or deep floodwater” in Aberdeenshire and Angus, with extensive flooding and road closures also expected.

It is the first red warning for rain issued in Britain since Storm Dennis in February 2020, and covers from just north of Dundee up towards Aberdeen, and inland towards Balmoral. It begins at 6pm on Thursday and is active until midday on Friday.

Read more below:

Rare red weather warning as Storm Babet threatens heavy rain and floods

Babet blasts the Isle of Wight

Wednesday 18 October 2023 19:00 , Lydia Patrick

Residents of Nettlestone and Seaview in the Isle of Wight share scenes of the stormy sea as residents brace themselves for the arrival of Babet.

Resident Harriet Hadfield shared on Facebook: “It’s wild out there…This is the situation right now on the seafront near The Old Fort in Seaview - the road is flooded and waves are crashing right over the sea wall.

“Most cars are turning around but I’ve seen a few 4x4s navigate through the water. I’m not sure I’ve seen the sea quite so rough and wild in a very long time.”

Her footage shows tempestuous waves crashing over the sea wall as winds carry the water inland.

Schools to close early in Scotland

Wednesday 18 October 2023 18:30 , Lydia Patrick

Schools and early years centres in Angus will close at lunchtime tomorrow and remain closed on Friday to mitigate travelling risks for pupils, parents and staff.

The council predict Babet will bring huge challenges to the area, especially North Angus, as river levels are already high and they are set to receive unprecedented levels of rain.

It is the first time the area has fallen under a red weather alert since 2015.

In videos - Cork under water

Wednesday 18 October 2023 18:00 , Lydia Patrick

Scottish rail disruptions

Wednesday 18 October 2023 17:30 , Lydia Patrick

Storm Babet is set to cause disruption to train services in Scotland as Scot Rail from tomorrow and are suspending seven different services.

Fire service drafted in to take kids to school

Wednesday 18 October 2023 17:00 , Lydia Patrick

Skipping school was not an option for school children in Dungarven who awoke to overflowing waters.

Denis Murphy shared footage on social media of the local fire service dragging the pupils through the flood waters to get to class on time this morning.

Watch live - Met Office share what red alert means

Wednesday 18 October 2023 16:46 , Lydia Patrick

Storm Babet weather warnings in detail

Wednesday 18 October 2023 16:45 , Lydia Patrick

All but essential travel in parts of Scotland

Wednesday 18 October 2023 16:30 , Lydia Patrick

First Minister Humza Yousaf has warned against all but essential travel in parts of Scotland affected by a red weather warning from Storm Babet.

The Met Office says there is a “risk to life” from flooding in Aberdeenshire and Angus.

He posted on Twitter: “Please be aware of the challenging weather we are due to experience across Scotland, most severe from Thursday 18:00 – Friday 12:00.

“Weather warning across Angus & the North East has been upgraded to Red.

“Travel should be avoided unless absolutely essential.”

He added: “The Scottish Government is working with local resilience partners, including our emergency services, to ensure we keep everyone safe & mitigate disruption as best we can.”

In pictues - Scotland prepares for Babet

Wednesday 18 October 2023 16:15 , Lydia Patrick

Rail disruptions across the country

Wednesday 18 October 2023 16:00 , Alex Ross

Rail passengers are facing cancellations across the country due to the heavy rain and strong winds from Storm Babet.

On Wednesday, Great Western Railway cancelled services from Exeter St Davids to Newton Abbot due to the severe weather conditions in the Dawlish area, where the line hugs the coast.

The railway operator said one of its trains “failed” on the line and is now blocking the route. Trains are still travelling in the opposite direction, from Newton Abbot to Exeter St Davids, but these may also be subject to delays and altercations, warn GWR.

The operator also said it’s had difficulty getting road transport for those impacted, with just one single-deck bus confirmed for 5pm so far.

Meanwhile in Manchester trains are suspended between Guide Bridge - Hadfield/Glossop after a tree has fallen on the tracks.

And in Scotland, London North Eastern Railway has cancelled all trains north of Edinburgh for Thursday and Friday.

Manchester travel update

Wednesday 18 October 2023 15:45 , Lydia Patrick

Trains are suspended between Guide Bridge - Hadfield/Glossop after a tree has fallen on the tracks.

Storm Babet hits Devon

Wednesday 18 October 2023 15:30 , Lydia Patrick

Powerful rain and winds have hit a town on the south coast of Devon as locals were ‘taken by surprise’.

Floodgates were shut on Teignmouth promenade and residents have shared footage of the sea battering beach huts.

The Dawlish coast guard advised everyone to stay away from the coast as they deal with the rough seas and gusty winds.

People forced to evacuate in Cork due to severe flooding

Wednesday 18 October 2023 15:10 , Lydia Patrick

Residents have been forced to leave their cars and home s a flashwood sweeps through Cork, Ireland and Storm Babet makes its way toward the UK.

A number of people have been evacuated in South Terrace and further flooding has been reported in Glanmire and Midleton, according to the Irish Examiner.

Social media users have documented the out-of-control waters as the waters cause chaos and Cork Safety alerts shared shocking footage.

Latest forecast on Storm Babet

Wednesday 18 October 2023 14:50 , Lydia Patrick

The Met Office have shared the areas they predict will be hit heaviest by Storm Babet rainfall.

Five day weather forecast

Wednesday 18 October 2023 14:24 , Lydia Patrick

Today:

Showers will break out and spread northwards with gusty winds spreading widely alongside developing coastal gales.

Tonight:

Rain will continue to move north, reaching all but northern Scotland by dawn. The south will turn drier before showers arrive. The north will face wind and gales.

Thursday:

There will be bands of heavy rain and strong winds across the country with the heaviest rain and gales across eastern Scotland. Elsewhere will see a mixture of showers and sunny spells.

Outlook for Friday to Sunday:

There will be heavy downpours and strong winds moving across the country, with the heaviest rain across eastern Scotland. Colder and showery conditions moving south during Saturday and Sunday.

How to calculate and mitigate your flood risk

Wednesday 18 October 2023 14:08 , Lydia Patrick

The Met Office have a three point plan so you can mitigate the impacts of flooding to your property/

1. Check if your property is at risk here

2. Prepare a flood plan if your home could get hit

3. Prepare an emergency flood kit

Staying safe near the coast

Wednesday 18 October 2023 13:40 , Lydia Patrick

Those near the coast will feel the extremities of storm Babet and will have to take extra precautions to stay safe.

Royal National Lifeboat Institute Water Safety Partner, Sam Hughes, said: “The forecasted strong winds along with heavy rain are likely to cause dangerous conditions for those visiting the coast around the UK and Ireland.

“The RNLI advises staying a safe distance away from the water and cliff edges as the conditions could knock you off your feet or wash you into the sea. It is not worth risking your life.

“If you see someone else in danger in the water, call 999 or 112 and ask for the Coastguard if by the coast, or the fire service if inland. If you have something that floats that they can hold on to, throw it to them. Don’t go in the water yourself – you may end up in difficulty too.”

The RNLI advice is:

• Stay well back from stormy, wintery seas and cliff edges

• Check the weather forecast and tide times before you go out

• Take a phone with you

• In an emergency call 999 or 112 and ask for the Coastguard

How long will rainfall and wind last for?

Wednesday 18 October 2023 13:20 , Lydia Patrick

Britons can expect to be keeping their rain coats on until next week, the Met Office predict.

Low pressure is forecast to remain in charge of the UK’s weather into the start of next week, with potential for further spells of wet and windy weather.

Storm Babet map reveals when and where heavy rain will hit UK

Wednesday 18 October 2023 13:00 , Lydia Patrick

The UK faces torrential rain and powerful winds in the second named storm of the season later this week.

Storm Babet will bring “impactful” weather to the UK from Wednesday, the Met Office has said as it issued a four-day warning for most of the country.

Yellow severe weather warnings cover much of Scotland, eastern Northern Ireland, the northeast of England, Yorkshire, the East Midlands and East Anglia.

As much as 150mm to 200mm of rain is expected to fall on central and eastern areas of Scotland and there is a possibility of 70mph gale-force winds affecting northern parts of the UK, forecasters warned.

Deputy chief meteorologist Steven Keates said Storm Babet will bring “impactful rain” to the UK, especially in eastern Scotland, Northern Ireland and northern England later this week.

Storm Babet map reveals when and where heavy rain will hit UK

Possible landslides

Wednesday 18 October 2023 12:40 , Lydia Patrick

A Scottish road was reopened last week after several landslides blocked the road and caused danger to drivers in the area.

The A38 trunk road between Tarbet and Inveraray was blocked due to multiple landslides at Glen Kinglas and the Rest and Be Thankful road.

A spokesperson for the British Geological Survey said: “Whilst the landslides will be different to last week’s failures in the West of Scotland with less potential of large-scale debris flows, there is a history of coastal landslides within the warning area.

“Infrastructure slopes are also likely to be affected with potential for disruption to roads and railway within the warning area.”

What to do after a storm hits

Wednesday 18 October 2023 12:21 , Lydia Patrick

As it stands, all weather warnings related to storm Babet are expected to be lifted by 8am this Saturday.

After taking measures to protect yourself and stay safe during the storm, here is how you can ensure due diligence after the heavy rain has passed.

What to do when a storm has passed

• Do not touch any electrical or telephone cables that have been blown down or are hanging

• Do not walk close to walls, buildings and trees that might have been impacted

• Reach out to any vulnerable neighbours, relatives and friends to ensure they are safe and to help them make arrangements for repair work

What to do during a storm

Wednesday 18 October 2023 12:01 , Lydia Patrick

As Storm Babel hits the UK this afternoon, various flood warnings are in place across Northern Ireland and Scotland.

The Met Office have issued a ‘danger to life’ risk in areas across eastern Scotland, as heavy rainfall is set to batter Brechin, Forfar and Kirriemuir from 6pm tomorrow.

• Stay indoors

• If you go outside, avoid sheltering near trees and buildings

• Whilst the storm is ongoing, do not attempt to repair damage it has caused

• Do not drive unless your journey is necessary

• Take care when driving on exposed roads and across bridges, try and seek an alternative route

• Slow down and be aware of high winds

Rare red warning in place from Thursday

Wednesday 18 October 2023 11:20 , Lydia Patrick

As Storm Babet makes its way across Northern Ireland, areas of Eastern Scotland will feel the full effects of the strong winds and heavy rain from Thursday.

The Met Office warn ‘exceptional rainfall’ could cause a danger to life in areas between Perth and Aberdeen this Thursday and Friday between the hours of 6pm and midday.

What to expect if you live in an area with a red weather warning

• Fast flowing or deep floodwater which could cause endanger lives

• Extensive flooding to homes and businesses

• Collapsed or damaged buildings or structures

• Transport disruption

• Dangerous driving conditions

• Loss of power and other essential services, such as gas, water and mobile phone service

• Isolation as communites could become cut off for several days

What weather warnings are in place today?

Wednesday 18 October 2023 11:00 , Lydia Patrick

Storm Babet will start to bring heavy rain to Northern Ireland today leading to possible disruption.

The Met Office has a yellow weather warning across the whole of the country as residents can expect torrential rain to pour.

What to expect

• Spray and flooding could lead to difficult driving conditions and some road closures

• Where flooding occurs, there is a chance of delays or cancellations to train and bus services

• There is a small chance that homes and businesses could be flooded, causing damage to some buildings

• There is a small chance of fast flowing or deep floodwater, and communities being cut off by flooded roads

• There is a slight chance of power cuts and loss of other services to some homes and businesses

Train cancellations

Wednesday 18 October 2023 10:45 , Alex Ross

London North Eastern Railway (LNER) has cancelled services north of Edinburgh on Thursday and Friday.

A statement on its website reads: “Due to severe weather conditions forecast for Thursday 19 October and Friday 20 October across Scotland, LNER will not run any services north of Edinburgh on these dates. Please do not travel on this part of our route.

“LNER services on either side of these days (Wednesday 18 October and Saturday 21 October) will also be affected. Please check your journey before you travel.”

The north of Scotland is expected to bare the brunt of Storm Babet with heavy rain and strong winds.

Where the rain will fall today

Wednesday 18 October 2023 10:21 , Alex Ross

The Met Office has provided this graphic showing where the rain will fall this morning - with much of it coming down on southern and western parts of the UK.

When Storm Babet will hit and where

Wednesday 18 October 2023 10:00 , Alex Ross

Storm Babet will bring “impactful” weather to the UK from Wednesday, the Met Office has said as it issued a four-day warning for most of the country.

Yellow severe weather warnings cover much of Scotland, eastern Northern Ireland, the northeast of England, Yorkshire, the East Midlands and East Anglia.

As much as 150mm to 200mm of rain is expected to fall on central and eastern areas of Scotland and there is a possibility of 70mph gale-force winds affecting northern parts of the UK, forecasters warned.

Storm Babet map reveals when and where heavy rain will hit UK

Ryanair warns of potential delays

Wednesday 18 October 2023 09:40 , Alex Ross

Budget airline Ryanair has warned passengers of potential delays due to Storm Babet on Wednesday.

With gusty winds becoming widespread across the UK, the airline said people should check their flight for updates before travelling to an airport.

A spokesperson said: “We regret any inconvenience caused to passengers as a result of this storm which is outside of Ryanair’s control and affects all airlines operating to/from Ireland.”

How did Storm Babet gets its name?

Wednesday 18 October 2023 09:20 , Alex Ross

Since 2015, the UK Met Office has named storms in a bid to make it easier for people to engage with weather forecasts.

Forecasters hope that by providing relatable names, people will take notice of the warnings associated and take precautions to keep themselves safe.

The names come from a shortlist drawn up.

Storm Babet’s name was selected by the Dutch weather agency KMNI, which chose it after a woman who attended an open day and put her name forward, staking the claim to being born during a storm.

Other storm names for this financial year include Lilian, Kathleen, Stuart and Fergus.