Over 100 flood alerts in place as Storm Kathleen leaves thousands without power

The storm, the 11th of the season and named by the Irish Meteorological Service on Thursday, rolled in with blustery conditions on Friday.

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Storm Kathleen will ease on Sunday evening, but another weather system towards the South West will replace it, Ms Glaisyer added.

She said: “Outbreaks of rain through Monday will mainly affect western parts of the UK. As we go through the day into Tuesday we’re likely to see the strongest wind across the south-west of the UK.

“It’s coming relatively quickly after Storm Kathleen.

“It’s not out of the question that a warning could be issued but I wouldn’t like to say yet.”

RAC Breakdown spokesman Rod Dennis said: “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.”

Scotland is battling a weekend of heavy rain and high winds, with a number of flood alerts and wind warnings issued as Storm Kathleen continues.

The Scottish Environment Protection Agency (Sepa) has 18 regional flood alerts and 43 flood warnings in place in Scotland, an increase from 16 alerts and 34 warnings earlier on Saturday.

Vincent Fitzsimons, Sepa’s flood duty manager, said: “Across the weekend, Scotland is braced for impacts from Storm Kathleen including very high winds and coastal flooding in western areas.

“Flooding impacts are expected across western coastal areas throughout the weekend.

“Impacts start in the Solway coast and Firth of Clyde on Saturday and then move around the coast to the eastern side of the country over the next few days.

“Of particular concern is the likely impact to communities in the Western Isles and Orkney late Saturday and across Sunday.

“On top of already high tides, Kathleen will bring a storm surge and large waves. This combination is particularly dangerous – especially around high tides.

“There is real danger to life from wave overtopping, particularly around causeways, coastal roads and paths.

“Disruption to travel and infrastructure is possible, as is isolated flooding to coastal properties and communities.

“While the risk is greatest around high tide times, our message is clear: take extra care if you are near the coast at any point and stay well clear of waves and water.

“Be careful when travelling around exposed coastal areas and don’t walk or drive through flood water as there may be hidden hazards.”

There are 19 warnings and 119 flood alerts in place across the country as more heavy rain is set to arrive this evening.

Around 12,000 customers remained without electricity in Ireland on Saturday evening after Storm Kathleen swept across the island.

The number had fallen from a peak of around 34,000 outages earlier in the day.

The high winds also caused travel disruption, with some flights to and from Dublin and Belfast City airports cancelled.

An orange wind warning for Cork, Kerry and Waterford that came into effect at 7am lifted at 2pm, while another status orange wind warning for Galway and Mayo lapsed at 6pm.

A yellow wind warning was in effect across the rest of Ireland until 8pm.

The yellow warning will remain in place for Donegal, Mayo and west Galway until 4pm on Sunday.

The remaining outages on Saturday evening were concentrated in Mayo, Sligo, Leitrim, Laois and Wicklow.

A spokesman for ESB Networks said: “ESB Networks crews will continue to work late into the evening with a view to restoring supply to the vast majority of impacted customers by tonight.

“However, there will be some customers without power overnight.”

Strong winds have battered the UK as two yellow warnings have been issued for the whole of Northern Ireland and the west coast of England, Wales and southern Scotland from 8am this morning to 10pm tonight.

As downpours and gusts persist overnight, Sunday should be drier for most with sunshine expected and warm temperatures in the south, according to the Met Office.

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