Storm Barra: Which areas of the UK and Ireland will be affected and what can we expect?

Storm Barra is set to batter the UK and Ireland with heavy rainfall and gusty winds of up to 70mph.

The Met Office’s yellow wind warning came into force from 9am this morning, meaning disruption on the travel network is likely.

Gusts of 67mph have already been recorded in the Isles of Scilly, off the far southwest coast of England, as Storm Barra moves its way in from the west. There were also 70mph gusts on Sherkin Island, southwest of Co Cork in Ireland.

Which areas will be affected?

Heavy snowfall is expected across parts of Scotland and northern England on Tuesday, the Met Office said.

While the west of Ireland will receive the worst of the storm on Tuesday, yellow wind warnings are in place across England, Wales and Northern Ireland.

There is also “a small chance” that larger-than-usual waves in coastal areas could present a risk of injury or potentially a threat to life if wild winds whip street furniture and beach material into the air.

There are further weather warnings in place across Northern Ireland and the southwest of England into Wednesday.

At 10:30 am the Met Office shared that a “band of heavy rain accompanied by strong winds” has developed and is moving east.

Forecasters also warned of “a stormy afternoon to come”.

The Environment Agency has five flood warnings in place currently for areas along the south coast of England, meaning flooding is expected. A further 39 flood alerts are also in place, meaning flooding is possible.

This morning in Ireland there are reports of trees falling and Irish police have urged people to secure their furniture and trampolines.

Met Éireann issued a rare red wind warning for Cork, Kerry and Clare in the southwest of Ireland, with schools remaining closed.

Irish journalist Richard Chambers shared a shocking clip of his report from the south coast of Ireland this morning, where he was battered by the wind and rain:

Like the Irish police, Network Rail Kent and Sussex has also asked people to secure their trampolines ahead of the storm.

What can we expect?

Beyond the adverse weather, travel may be disrupted with some bus and train journeys potentially taking longer than normal.

The Met Office also said that “some short term loss of power and other services is possible”.

Further misery may be expected for homeowners still without power after Barra’s predecessor, Storm Arwen, left hundreds of households in the northeast of England without electricity.

This morning, Northern Powergrid said it was in “the final push” to reconnect the 500 customers who remain without power.

Large waves and spray may also affect coastal communities as Storm Barra makes its presence felt.

During a storm, the Met Office advises people to stay indoors as much as possible and if you do go out, don’t walk or shelter close to buildings or trees. People should also avoid driving if possible.

After the storm, be careful not to touch any electrical or telephone cables that have been blown down. People are also urged not to walk too close to walls, buildings or trees as they may have been weakened by the storm. They also encourage people to check in on vulnerable neighbours and relatives.

Additional reporting from PA.