Storm Jocelyn - live: Thousands remain without power after 97mph winds wreaked havoc across the country

The UK and Ireland are reeling from the destruction of Storm Jocelyn whose 97mph winds caused major travel chaos and have left thousands without power.

Approximately 12,000 homes and businesses remain without power across the Republic of Ireland following storms Isha and Jocelyn.

Earlier on Wednesday, NIE Networks said power had been restored to more than 52,000 customers since Sunday evening in Northern Ireland.

However, 1,200 remained without power on Wednesday morning.

Rail services to and from Scotland have been suspended until at least noon today, with Network Rail Scotland saying it had dealt with incidents of flooding, fallen trees and a shed roof blowing onto a high wall above a track on Tuesday evening.

Avanti West Coast also told passengers not to travel north of Preston until at least noon on Wednesday.

It comes as the coastguard launched an urgent search on Tuesday evening following reports of a person in the sea in Porthcawl, south Wales.

The alarm was raised just before 6pm but after several hours of searching in the treacherous conditions, the search was suspended in the early hours of Wednesday before it resumed as light returned.

Key Points

  • Satellite video shows Storm Jocelyn passing near UK

  • Fresh weather related travel chaos

  • Search for man in water

  • Mapped - Today’s weather warnings

  • ‘Do Not Travel’ between England and Scotland

06:54 , Katy Clifton

Thanks for following our live updates, we are pausing our updates for the day.

EasyJet passengers ‘bounced around like a washing machine’ during storm flight

06:00 , Lydia Patrick

Petrified easyJet passengers were left stranded in Birmingham after their flight from Lyon had to make a last-minute emergency diversion due to Storm Isha.

Aine Morris, 39, was travelling from Berlin to Bristol via a connecting flight from Lyon yesterday at 4pm local time.

Ms Morris, a well-versed flyer, knew Storm Isha was coming but thought she would swerve the disruption as the weather warning in place started shortly after her flight was supposed to land in Bristol at 6pm.

The global exports manager of tea brand Wilden Herbals says the flight passengers “bounced around in the air like a washing machine” as the pilot battled through intense turbulence.

They attempted to touch down in Bristol but at the last moment the pilot realised it was too dangerous and redirected them towards Birmingham Airport, where they became stuck on the plane for 4.5 hours.

Read the full story here...

EasyJet passengers ‘bounced around like a washing machine’ during storm flight

Watch - Storm Isha forces flights between Britain and Ireland to divert to France and Germany

05:00 , Lydia Patrick

Watch: Storm Isha forces Britain and Ireland flights to divert to France and Germany

Storm Jocelyn moves away from UK

04:32 , Stuti Mishra

Met Office says winds will gradually ease from the south as Storm Jocelyn moves away from the UK today,

Cloud and outbreaks of rain will move north east with brighter conditions tomorrow and on Saturday, but frequent showers in the north.

“It’s not going to be quite as stormy, although it is going to stay unsettled for the next few days,” says Aiden McGivern, meteorologist at Met Office.

Watch - Ryanair flight battles Storm Jocelyn in bumpy landing at Leeds Bradford airport

04:00 , Lydia Patrick

Long-term protections and preventions needed before future storms, MPs say

03:00 , Lydia Patrick

Long-term protections and preventions should be put in place before future freak weather events, MPs said.

Storm Isha and Storm Jocelyn have brought disruption and power cuts across the UK in recent days and resulted in the deaths of four people in Britain and Ireland.

SNP MP Kirsty Blackman said she wished the Government “would take climate change more seriously given the incredible amount of extreme weather events”.

Meanwhile, shadow Cabinet Office minister Pat McFadden called for the set-up of a standing taskforce to build up long-term protections.

Cabinet Office minister Alex Burghart insisted the Government had learned lessons from past storms.

As he raised an urgent question, Mr McFadden said: “Our constituents around the country have been hit by widespread damage, flooding, power outages, cancellation of flights, ferries and trains, and in the most tragic circumstances a reported four people have lost their lives.”

A person's hair is blown in the wind at the Pier Head in Liverpool, Britain, 24 January (EPA)
A person's hair is blown in the wind at the Pier Head in Liverpool, Britain, 24 January (EPA)

Today’s weather forecast

02:00 , Lydia Patrick

Cloud and rain will move northeast across the UK with the west experiencing heavier downpours.

The Met Office predicts the weather will be mild but windy with some bright spells.

More than 12,000 customers still without power after storms

01:00 , Lydia Patrick

Approximately 12,000 homes and businesses remain without power across the Republic of Ireland following storms Isha and Jocelyn.

The areas most affected are predominantly in counties Donegal, Sligo, Leitrim, Mayo, Cavan and Longford.

During the worst stages of the stormy spell, more than 235,000 customers were without power.

Irish electricity supply company ESB said significant progress has been made over the last 48 hours.

Crews are working through faults on the low voltage network that have primarily affected single homes and small clusters of customers.

It said all available company and contractor resources have been deployed, with additional crews arriving from the UK on Wednesday evening.

More than 50 skilled personnel from the UK National Grid Electricity Distribution and UK Power Networks will be deployed in the worst-affected areas from Thursday morning.

ESB Network technician Chris Doherty works to restore power at the site of a fallen tree in Kilcock, Co Kildare (Brian Lawless/PA) (PA Wire)
ESB Network technician Chris Doherty works to restore power at the site of a fallen tree in Kilcock, Co Kildare (Brian Lawless/PA) (PA Wire)

EasyJet passengers ‘bounced around like a washing machine’ during storm flight

00:00 , Lydia Patrick

Petrified easyJet passengers were left stranded in Birmingham after their flight from Lyon had to make a last-minute emergency diversion due to Storm Isha.

Aine Morris, 39, was travelling from Berlin to Bristol via a connecting flight from Lyon yesterday at 4pm local time.

Ms Morris, a well-versed flyer, knew Storm Isha was coming but thought she would swerve the disruption as the weather warning in place started shortly after her flight was supposed to land in Bristol at 6pm.

The global exports manager of tea brand Wilden Herbals says the flight passengers “bounced around in the air like a washing machine” as the pilot battled through intense turbulence.

They attempted to touch down in Bristol but at the last moment the pilot realised it was too dangerous and redirected them towards Birmingham Airport, where they became stuck on the plane for 4.5 hours.

Read the full story here

EasyJet passengers ‘bounced around like a washing machine’ during storm flight

HM coastguard’s warning to storm seekers

Wednesday 24 January 2024 23:00 , Lydia Patrick

As conditions improve across the coastlines, the coastguards sends a warning to those walking out in the winds.

Matt Atkinson, HM Coastguard divisional commander for the north of England, said “Storms might look incredible, but the perfect selfie is never worth risking your life for.”

Doran added: “It is not worth risking your life. If you have children with you, make sure they’re aware of the risks too, and that they stay with your group well back from the water’s edge.

“Cold water shock is a very real danger for anyone entering water that is 15 degrees Celsius or below and at this time of year, we can expect temperatures of 6 to 10 degrees Celsius,” he said.

If you find yourself in trouble unexpectedly in the water, remember to ‘Float to Live’ – “Lie back in the water, extend your arms and legs and try to relax as best as you can until you get control of your breathing,” he explained.

“Remember, if you see someone else in danger in the water, call 999 or 112 and ask for the Coastguard if by the coast. 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.”

Large waves hit the pier wall, as Storm Jocelyn abates in Roonagh, County Mayo, Ireland (REUTERS)
Large waves hit the pier wall, as Storm Jocelyn abates in Roonagh, County Mayo, Ireland (REUTERS)

Damage caused by Storm Jocelyn

Wednesday 24 January 2024 22:00 , Lydia Patrick

Castlebar Tennis Club dome is destroyed following recent storms, in Castlebar, County Mayo, Ireland, (REUTERS)
Castlebar Tennis Club dome is destroyed following recent storms, in Castlebar, County Mayo, Ireland, (REUTERS)
Castlebar Tennis Club dome is destroyed following recent storms, in Castlebar, County Mayo, Ireland, (REUTERS)
Castlebar Tennis Club dome is destroyed following recent storms, in Castlebar, County Mayo, Ireland, (REUTERS)

Watch - How to protect property in stormy condtions?

Wednesday 24 January 2024 21:00 , Lydia Patrick

Top tips to protect property as Storm Isha expected to bring 80mph winds to UK

ICYMI - UK braces for second storm in as many days as Jocelyn brings ‘danger to life’ warnings and 80mph winds

Wednesday 24 January 2024 20:00 , Lydia Patrick

The UK is braced for what is set to be even more severe weather as Storm Jocelyn brings “danger to life” warnings and gusts of up to 80mph, becoming the second storm to hit the country within two days.

Britain now faces another battering from wind and rain, with major disruption to transport services expected, as the country is still grappling with the chaos wreaked by Storm Isha, which left four people dead and brought gales close to 100mph.

More than 100 flood warnings and alerts remain in place across the UK, as flooding is still present in parts of York and thousands remain affected by power cuts.

Read the full story here

UK braces for second storm as Jocelyn brings ‘danger to life’ warning and 80mph winds

Still a missing person off coast of Porthcawl

Wednesday 24 January 2024 19:00 , Lydia Patrick

RNLI lifeboats from The Mumbles, Barry Dock and Porthcawl were called last night following reports of a person in the water.

A spokesperson for the The Mumbles lifeboat station told the Indpendent the Porthcawl volunteer crew were paged by HM Coastguard just before 6pm to assist in the multi-agency search, following reports of a person in the water off Porthcawl seafront.

Conditions during Storm Jocelyn were beyond the operating limits of the station’s inshore Atlantic 85 lifeboat, so at approximately 6.40pm the all-weather RNLI lifeboat from The Mumbles was called to assist, reveals the volunteer team.

They say the the volunteer crew from launched their lifeboat in challenging conditions, as they made their way towards the search area.

A spokesperson for the RNLI said: “The Mumbles lifeboat carried out some extensive searches in the area where the casualty was reported to have been seen in the water.

“Barry Dock RNLI all-weather lifeboat arrived on scene to join the search in worsening conditions. This made it extremely challenging for the volunteer crews who were out searching until the early hours, returning to station at approximately 2am.

“The search was suspended in the early hours of this morning (Weds 24 January) following an intensive search by RNLI lifeboats, coastguard rescue teams, and the Coastguard helicopter.”

RNLI volunteer crews spent many hours in challenging conditions with support from HM Coastguard helicopter. Coastguard Rescue Teams from Porthcawl, Port Talbot, Llantwit Major and Llansteffan were also involved

 (Mumbles RNLI)
(Mumbles RNLI)

What are the main dangers to walkers?

Wednesday 24 January 2024 18:00 , Lydia Patrick

If you live near the coast, or plan on visiting, the RNLI advise the public to stay a safe distance from the water.

According to the charity, around 140 people lose their lives at the UK and Irish coasts each year, and more than half of them never even planned to enter the water.

“During stormy weather, there is a heightened danger of large and powerful waves that can knock you off your feet and drag you out to sea, so stay well back from the water’s edge. It might seem like fun, but playing chicken with waves, especially during bad weather, can be deadly,” said Atkinson.

Is it safe to go for a walk in high winds?

Wednesday 24 January 2024 17:31 , Lydia Patrick

As Storm Jocelyn hits the UK with high winds, the Met Office has said more bad weather is still to come.

“Anything above 40mph is significant,” said Richie Conway, the director at London Adventure Group, who organises hiking events both in the UK and overseas.

“[There will be] flying debris, falling branches or trees, [which makes it] difficult to walk and [find your] balance. Stay off any high grounds as the winds are more compressed higher up.”

Matt Atkinson, HM Coastguard divisional commander for the north of England, said everyone needs to check the forecast and the tide times in their area before they go out in stormy conditions and adhere to the advice given by the Met Office’s weather alerts.

“The first thing to do is consider, ‘Is it safe to go out at all?’ and if there is any doubt, play it safe and stay home.”

“Anything above 40mph is significant,” said Richie Conway, the director at London Adventure Group, who organises hiking events both in the UK and overseas.

“[There will be] flying debris, falling branches or trees, [which makes it] difficult to walk and [find your] balance. Stay off any high grounds as the winds are more compressed higher up.”

Matt Atkinson, HM Coastguard divisional commander for the north of England, said everyone needs to check the forecast and the tide times in their area before they go out in stormy conditions and adhere to the advice given by the Met Office’s weather alerts.

“The first thing to do is consider, ‘Is it safe to go out at all?’ and if there is any doubt, play it safe and stay home.”

An aerial picture taken on January 24, 2024 shows the tearoom and lockhouse at Naburn Locks near York in northern England (AFP via Getty Images)
An aerial picture taken on January 24, 2024 shows the tearoom and lockhouse at Naburn Locks near York in northern England (AFP via Getty Images)

Mapped - Flood warnings and alerts

Wednesday 24 January 2024 17:00 , Lydia Patrick

There are 18 flood warnings in place and 85 flood alerts in place across England as large parts of the country are still reeling from the heavy flooding caused by Storm Henk.

The flood warnings and alerts across England today (The Environment Agency)
The flood warnings and alerts across England today (The Environment Agency)

Ferry closures

Wednesday 24 January 2024 16:30 , Lydia Patrick

Ferry services were also disrupted with some CalMac services cancelled.

NorthLink Ferries said morning sailings between Stromness in Orkney and Scrabster on the mainland were cancelled.

The 4.45pm sailing from Stromness to Scrabster and the 7pm return sailing remain under review.

A cross-Channel ferry departs Newhaven for France as large waves hit the seawall and harbour during Storm Isha in Newhaven, southern Britain, (REUTERS)
A cross-Channel ferry departs Newhaven for France as large waves hit the seawall and harbour during Storm Isha in Newhaven, southern Britain, (REUTERS)

Wednesday 24 January 2024 16:00 , Lydia Patrick

Rail lines are beginning to reopen after Storm Jocelyn swept in, bringing travel disruption and leaving thousands without power.

An amber weather warning was in place in parts of Scotland at the height of the storm while a yellow wind warning for much of the northern half of the UK has been extended until 3pm on Wednesday.

ScotRail suspended its services at 7pm on Tuesday and through the Wednesday morning rush hour as the storm battered the country.

Routes began to reopen from around lunchtime following safety checks, though ScotRail warned it will take time for the situation to return to normal.

In a post on X, ScotRail said: “As lines begin to reopen, following major disruption, our Integrated Control team will work to restore the timetable on each route in a controlled manner, to prevent further disruption.

“This is why it can take some time for services to return to normal. Please bear with us.”

Avanti West Coast services have also resumed after the company told passengers not to attempt to travel north of Preston until at least noon on Wednesday

An information board at Glasgow Queen Street as all trains are cancelled throughout Scotland's rail network due to Storm Jocelyn (PA)
An information board at Glasgow Queen Street as all trains are cancelled throughout Scotland's rail network due to Storm Jocelyn (PA)

The storm has left thousands of people in Scotland without power.

Wednesday 24 January 2024 15:30 , Lydia Patrick

Scottish and Southern Electricity Networks Distribution said that as of 11.45am on Wednesday, its teams had successfully restored supplies to nearly 4,500 customers.

A spokesperson said: “We are working hard to reconnect the remaining 2,000 homes as quickly and safely as possible. We expect them to have their supplies restored by the end of today.”

In southern Scotland, SP Energy Networks said its engineers are working to restore power to around 7,000 customers across Dumfries and Galloway following network damage caused by Storm Jocelyn.

A spokesperson said: “This includes damage to a transmission line and we’re working with National Grid ESO to restore supplies as soon as possible.

“Safety remains our number one priority and we are using every available resource to get everyone back on supply at the earliest opportunity.”

Storm Jocelyn, the 10th named storm of the season, hit two days after Storm Isha claimed two lives.

Waves batter Scotland’s Shetland Islands as Storm Jocelyn winds reach 97mph (Reuters)
Waves batter Scotland’s Shetland Islands as Storm Jocelyn winds reach 97mph (Reuters)

‘Government has learned lessons from past storms,’ says Cabinet Office minister

Wednesday 24 January 2024 15:00 , Lydia Patrick

Cabinet Office minister Alex Burghart insisted the Government had learned lessons from past storms, and taken greater efforts to prepare for future extreme weather events.

He told the Commons: “What we have seen over the past few years is a notable improvement in storm preparedness and response.

“If we remember Storm Arwen a few years ago, after three days there were still about 40,000 people without power.

“These storms that we have just had were very powerful, about 400,000 people lost power to their homes, but 99% of them had power restored within 24 hours.

“That is as a result of the planning and preparedness that this Government has put in place.”

A woman in windy conditions in Leeds. Storm Jocelyn has brought fresh travel disruption to much of the UK (PA)
A woman in windy conditions in Leeds. Storm Jocelyn has brought fresh travel disruption to much of the UK (PA)

Update in search for missing man

Wednesday 24 January 2024 14:30 , Lydia Patrick

The coastguard launched an urgent search on Tuesday evening following reports of a person in the sea in Porthcawl, south Wales.

The alarm was raised just before 6pm but after several hours of searching in the treacherous conditions, the search was suspended in the early hours of Wednesday before it resumed as light returned.

A spokesman for HM Coastguard told Wales Online: “HM Coastguard has resumed a shoreline search this morning in Porthcawl, at the request of South Wales Police, with coastguard rescue teams sent from Porthcawl, Port Talbot, Oxwich and Barry Island. For further details, please contact the police.”

National rail warn ‘check before you travel'

Wednesday 24 January 2024 14:20 , Lydia Patrick

A yellow warning remains in place across the country as Storm Jocelyn continues to cause travel disruption.

Network Rail says despite conditions improving, rail passengers must check their journey before travelling as more delays and cancellations are expected across England, Wales and Scotland.

Powerful winds can lead trees and debris to block tracks and damage power lines and can also lead trains to have to run at slower speeds.

Heavy rainfall can lead to flooding which can affect train mobility and electrical systems.

Pictured- Trampoline blew onto line at Livingston South

Wednesday 24 January 2024 14:00 , Lydia Patrick

Handout photo issued by Network Rail Scotland of a large trampoline that blew onto the line at Livingston South. Storm Jocelyn has brought fresh travel disruption to much of the UK, less than two days after Storm Isha left two people dead and thousands without power. (PA)
Handout photo issued by Network Rail Scotland of a large trampoline that blew onto the line at Livingston South. Storm Jocelyn has brought fresh travel disruption to much of the UK, less than two days after Storm Isha left two people dead and thousands without power. (PA)

Labour slams government’s handling of extreme weather events

Wednesday 24 January 2024 13:41 , Lydia Patrick

The Government should have a standing taskforce to build up long-term protections before future freak weather events, Labour has said.

Shadow Cabinet Office minister Pat McFadden called for the change as he raised an urgent question in the Commons about Storm Isha and Storm Jocelyn, which have brought disruption and power cuts across the UK in recent days, and resulted in the deaths of four people in Britain and Ireland.

Mr McFadden told the Commons: “Our constituents around the country have been hit by widespread damage, flooding, power outages, cancellation of flights, ferries and trains, and in the most tragic circumstances a reported four people have lost their lives.”

He added: “Of course ministers can’t control the weather. Indeed the ex-ministers on the benches opposite can’t even control themselves. But the greater regularity and severity of extreme weather demands a response from Government.

“So let me ask the minister, in terms of resilience, given the frequency of extreme weather events why doesn’t the Government have a standing flood resilience taskforce as part of the Cobra system with a specific responsibility to build up long-term protection?”

A photograph taken on January 24, 2024, shows a street flooded by the River Ouse after it burst its banks, in central York, following Storm Jocelyn (AFP via Getty Images)
A photograph taken on January 24, 2024, shows a street flooded by the River Ouse after it burst its banks, in central York, following Storm Jocelyn (AFP via Getty Images)

Extreme flooding in York

Wednesday 24 January 2024 12:43 , Athena Stavrou

Streets in Yorks were pictured completely flooded on Wednesday after the River Ouse burst its banks amid strong winds and heavy rain brought by Storm Jocelyn.

There are currently three flood warnings and two flood alerts in place in the area which warn locals to avoid using low-lying footpaths and any bridges near local watercourses and urge them not to attempt to walk or drive through flood water.

 (AFP via Getty Images)
(AFP via Getty Images)
 (AFP via Getty Images)
(AFP via Getty Images)

Brick wall falls onto car amid extreme wind speeds

Wednesday 24 January 2024 12:13 , Athena Stavrou

A brick wall has fallen onto a car in Cullercoats, North Tyneside as Storm Jocelyn continues to bring extreme winds to the UK.

Gusts reached top speeds of 97mph in some areas, with a yellow weather warning for wind remaining in place for much of the UK today.

 (PA)
(PA)
 (PA)
(PA)

Trampoline on train tracks halts services

Wednesday 24 January 2024 11:52 , Athena Stavrou

Scottish railway workers were tasked with removing a trampoline that had blown onto train tracks as Storm Jocelyn continued to wreak havoc on travel.

The massive trampoline was reported by a member of the public near Livingston South to Network Rail Scotland this morning. The company then temporarily switched off the overhead wires to remove it safely.

Dramatic video of sea rescue as person missing

Wednesday 24 January 2024 11:37 , Athena Stavrou

An urgent search was launched last night after a woman was seen in the water in Porthcawl, south Wales.

The alarm was raised just before 6pm but after several hours of searching in the treacherous conditions, the search was suspended in the early hours of Wednesday.

Rescue teams from Porthcawl, Port Talbot, Llantwit Major and Llansteffan took part in the search, and joined by an HM Coastguard helicopter from St Athan and the RNLI’s all-weather lifeboats from Mumbles and Barry Dock.

Mumbles Lifeboat RNLI shared dramatic footage of the operation and Lifeboat coxswain Josh Stewart said: “I’m immensely proud of our crews enthusiasm and professionalism last night.

“The conditions were some of the worst they’ll ever have to launch into. The swell was well over 5m high and beam on which made visual search pretty tricky but it’s what we train for and while we didn’t get the result we wanted I’m still proud of our crew who made every effort to find the casualty.

“Our thoughts are with the casualties family and friends at this time”

You can watch the footage here.

 (Mumbles RNLI)
(Mumbles RNLI)

Planes struggle to land as Storm Jocelyn brings strong winds

Wednesday 24 January 2024 11:11 , Athena Stavrou

Air travel has been thrown into chaos in recent days as both Storm Isha and Storm Jocelyn brought intense gusts of wind preventing planes from sticking their landings smoothly.

Eight flights were cancelled at Dublin Airport and four at Glasgow Airport on Tuesday evening and over the weekend planes were forced to divert from Dublin to Paris.

This morning, planes at Leeds Bradford Airport were pictured on the runway determined not to let the weather deter their journeys.

Ryanair flight FR2492 takes off from Leeds Bradford airport during high winds (PA)
Ryanair flight FR2492 takes off from Leeds Bradford airport during high winds (PA)
Ryanair flight FR9078 from Alicante landing at Leeds Bradford airport during high winds (PA)
Ryanair flight FR9078 from Alicante landing at Leeds Bradford airport during high winds (PA)

Pictures: Rail workers grapple with fallen tree as trains cancelled

Wednesday 24 January 2024 10:43 , Athena Stavrou

Rail workers near Aigburth Station in Liverpool were pictured this morning clearing a tree that had fallen on railway tracks overnight.

Storm Jocelyn has sparked travel chaos this morning as several train companies warn passengers not to travel.

Rail services to and from Scotland were suspended until at least noon on Wednesday with Network Rail Scotland saying it had dealt with incidents including flooding, fallen trees and a shed roof blowing onto a high wall above a track.

They added they would be inspecting routes for damage at first light and said: “It’ll be done in many ways – teams on foot, in road-rail vehicles, freight locos and empty passenger trains. Our helicopter will be out too, as soon as winds ease.”

Avanti West Coast - which runs trains to Liverpool - told passengers not to attempt to travel north of Preston until at least noon on Wednesday and warned journeys in northwest England may take longer due to speed restrictions.

 (EPA)
(EPA)
 (EPA)
(EPA)

Watch live: View from Scottish lighthouse as dramatic waves crash into cliffside

Wednesday 24 January 2024 10:13 , Athena Stavrou

Scotland’s Shetland Islands are currently experiencing extremely powerful gusts of wind as Storm Jocelyn brings stormy weather to the UK.

A view from cameras on Eshaness Lighthouse show dramatic waves crashing into the cliffsides as the Met Office warns: “There is a chance of Injuries and danger to life from large waves and beach material being thrown onto sea fronts, coastal roads and properties.”

Wind gusts reach speeds of 97mph

Wednesday 24 January 2024 09:57 , Athena Stavrou

Wind gusts have reached speeds of 97mph in some areas of the UK as Storm Jocelyn continues to wreak havoc on Britain.

Capel Curig in Snowdonia experienced the brunt of the winds with gusts in Aberdaron, Wales also reaching dangerous speeds of 79mph.

In Shap, Cumbria, gusts of 77mph were recorded.

What weather warnings are in place today?

Wednesday 24 January 2024 09:16 , Athena Stavrou

The Met Office has issued weather warnings for swathes of the UK on Wednesday, as Storm Jocelyn continues to wreak havoc on the UK

An amber warning for northern Scotland expired this morning, but large parts of the UK are still impacted by a yellow warning for wind.

Central and eastern Scotland, northern England, Yorkshire and some parts of the midlands will be affected by strong winds until 3pm today.

The Met Office warned that power cuts, damage to buildings and a danger to life may be possible as parts of the country saw wind gusts up to 97mph on Tuesday.

 (Met Office)
(Met Office)

Pictures: Stations eerily quiet as trains cancelled amid storm

Wednesday 24 January 2024 08:46 , Athena Stavrou

Pictures from UK train stations show abandoned platforms as rail companies are forced to cancel services amid stormy weather.

Rail services to and from Scotland have been suspended until at least noon today, with Network Rail Scotland saying it had dealt with incidents of flooding, fallen trees and a shed roof blowing onto a high wall above a track on Tuesday evening.

Avanti West Coast also told passengers not to travel north of Preston until at least noon on Wednesday.

Martin Thomson, national operations manager for resilience at Transport Scotland, said: “Across the wider network, we can expect to see more delays and cancellations with ferries, flights and rail into Wednesday morning.”

Empty platforms at Edinburgh Waverley train station (PA)
Empty platforms at Edinburgh Waverley train station (PA)
A sign on a ticket machine at Edinburgh Waverley train station as rail services to and from Scotland have been suspended until at least noon on Wednesday (PA)
A sign on a ticket machine at Edinburgh Waverley train station as rail services to and from Scotland have been suspended until at least noon on Wednesday (PA)
An empty concourse at Edinburgh Waverley train station (PA)
An empty concourse at Edinburgh Waverley train station (PA)

Today’s weather forecast

Wednesday 24 January 2024 08:17 , Athena Stavrou

As Britain wakes up to yet another day of stormy weather, the Met Office’s outlook looks slightly more positive as the day goes on.

Here’s the forecaster’s latest forecast for today:

Today:

A day of sunny spells and blustery showers, though the south will be mainly dry. Winds gradually easing from the south as Storm Jocelyn moves away from the UK. Turning cloudy from the southwest later with patchy light rain.

Tonight:

Light winds and clear skies with a frost likely in the north and east. Cloud and outbreaks of mostly light rain moving northeast from southwest England.

Search suspended for man in water

Wednesday 24 January 2024 07:49 , Athena Stavrou

The coastguard launched a search on Tuesday evening following reports of a person in the sea in Porthcawl, south Wales.

The alarm was raised just before 6pm but after several hours of searching in the treacherous conditions, the search was suspended in the early hours of Wednesday.

Rescue services said a decision on further action would be made at first light.

HM Coastguard said rescue teams from Porthcawl, Port Talbot, Llantwit Major and Llansteffan. They were joined by an HM Coastguard helicopter from St Athan and the RNLI’s all-weather lifeboats from Mumbles and Barry Dock.

Family mourn ‘beautiful little sister’ killed by tree in Storm Isha

Wednesday 24 January 2024 07:30 , Stuti Mishra

The family of a woman killed when her van slammed into a tree during the high winds of Storm Isha have spoken of their heartbreak.

Kate Keenan had just turned 25 when she suffered fatal injuries in the horror crash in Carnalogue, Ireland at 1.50am on Monday.

Kate’s sister Rachel penned an emotional tribute on Facebook, writing: “How am I going to do life without my beautiful little sister?

“You were the strong one - not me. I never wanted you to leave me.”

Read the full story by Barney Davies here...

Family mourn ‘beautiful little sister’ killed by tree in Storm Isha

Fresh weather related travel disruption

Wednesday 24 January 2024 07:20 , Athena Stavrou

Storm Jocelyn has brought fresh travel disruption to much of the UK as wind gusts reach 97mph.

Rail services to and from Scotland have been suspended until at least noon today, with Network Rail Scotland saying it had dealt with incidents of flooding, fallen trees and a shed roof blowing onto a high wall above a track on Tuesday evening.

Avanti West Coast also told passengers not to travel north of Preston until at least noon on Wednesday.

Martin Thomson, national operations manager for resilience at Transport Scotland, said: “Across the wider network, we can expect to see more delays and cancellations with ferries, flights and rail into Wednesday morning.”

On the roads, drivers have also been facing severe disruption. The Queen Elizabeth II bridge at the Dartford Crossing, M48 Severn Bridge and A66 in County Durham and Cumbria were closed due to high winds.

The M1 was also closed in both directions to high-sided vehicles at Junction 34 for Sheffield, according to Traffic England.

Air travel has not escaped the wrath of the stormy weather either, with eight flights cancelled at Dublin Airport and four at Glasgow Airport on Tuesday evening.

Garden shed on the line at Bellgrove station in Glasgow (PA)
Garden shed on the line at Bellgrove station in Glasgow (PA)

Storm Jocelyn brings 97mph wind gusts to UK

Wednesday 24 January 2024 07:00 , Stuti Mishra

The UK has recorded winds gusting to 97mph this morning during Storm Jocelyn, significantly higher speeds than what the Met Office had forecast.

The highest wind speed recorded in the UK was in Capel Curig in Wales, at 97mph, while other regions experienced wind gusts of around 70mph, the Met Office said.

Earlier, the forecaster predicted maximum 80mph wind gusts for Storm Jocelyn.

Drivers urged to postpone their journeys amid road closures

Wednesday 24 January 2024 06:30 , Stuti Mishra

Apart from train and flight delays, commuters are also being asked to avoid road travel this morning as several routes were closed due to Storm Jocelyn.

The M48 Severn Bridge and A66 in County Durham and Cumbria were closed due to high winds, with the Humber Bridge, A19 Tees Flyover and the Woodhead Pass in Derbyshire and South Yorkshire closed to high-sided vehicles.

In Scotland, the A76 was closed in both directions between Skelmorlie and Largs due to water breaking over the sea wall.

RAC spokesperson Alice Simpson said: "With so much heavy rainfall and debris on the roads, driving conditions will be very challenging, especially across northern parts of the country where the weather is at its worst.

"Visibility will be severely reduced due to the spray from lorries and other large vehicles, and the amount of water on the roads will increase stopping distances.

"We urge drivers to consider postponing their journeys in these areas if at all possible.

"We also suggest drivers avoid parking underneath or near to trees."

Watch - Storm Jocelyn to wreak havoc with more wind and rain expected

Wednesday 24 January 2024 06:00 , Lydia Patrick