Dozens of UK flights were cancelled on Saturday as Storm Kathleen wreaked havoc across the country, bringing winds of up to 70mph and triggering the warmest day of the year so far. Approximately 140 flights departing and arriving at UK airports were grounded, leaving travellers stranded in Edinburgh, Belfast, Manchester, and Birmingham.
The Met Office issued a yellow weather warning for the north-west and south-west of England, as well as parts of Northern Ireland, Scotland, and Wales. Temperatures soared to 20.9C in Santon Downham, Suffolk, making it provisionally the hottest day of the year, thanks to warm air pouring in from the continent.
Ellie Glaisyer of the Met Office explained, “The storm is the reason we are seeing the warmer temperatures because its location – situated out towards the west of the UK – is bringing a southerly wind across the UK. Almost anywhere is going to see above-average temperatures.”
Although Storm Kathleen is expected to ease by Saturday evening, another weather system heading towards the south-west is anticipated to take its place. Glaisyer warned, “Outbreaks of rain through Monday will mainly affect western parts of the UK.”
In Ireland, about 12,000 customers were still without electricity out of 34,000 who lost power when Kathleen struck. P&O Ferries also cancelled sailings between Larne in Northern Ireland and Cairnryan in Scotland. Parts of Scotland experienced particularly high winds, with gusts of 98mph recorded in the Highlands.
The Environment Agency issued 14 flood warnings and 113 flood alerts in England, with National Resources Wales issuing six flood alerts. The Met Office cautioned of potential injuries and danger to life from “large waves and beach material being thrown onto seafronts, coastal roads, and properties.”
RAC Breakdown spokesperson Rod Dennis advised, “This intense period of stormy weather is going to prove extremely challenging for anyone driving on the western side of the UK. We strongly urge drivers to avoid exposed coasts and higher routes where the impact of the very strong winds is most likely to be felt.”