Storm Isha has unleashed havoc across the UK, causing power outages for thousands, disrupting air travel, and prompting a "tornado watch" with winds reaching up to 90mph.
The Met Office issued a 12-hour amber alert as the destructive winds hit the country, posing potential danger to life.
As the storm wreaked havoc, air passengers faced chaos with planes unable to land safely due to turbulent winds. Rail, sea, and air travelers experienced closures, cancellations, and delays across various services, and the Met Office emphasized the likelihood of damage to homes, falling trees, power cuts, flying debris, large waves, and localized flooding.
Research organization Torro designated Ireland, Northern Ireland, parts of Scotland, and northern England as "tornado watch" zones, indicating a possibility of strong tornadoes in these regions. The Met Office acknowledged the potential for isolated tornadoes, particularly tied to squally cold fronts in western parts of the UK on Sunday evening.
Meteorologist Marco Petagna from the Met Office highlighted that while tornadoes could cause significant damage on a localized scale, they typically do not last long. The storm, named Isha, combined with high tides, brought large crashing waves, adding to the challenges faced by coastal areas.
Wind speeds of 90mph were recorded in Capel Curig, north Wales, and gusts of 76mph and 75mph were reported in Loftus, North Yorkshire, and Brizlee Wood near Alnwick in Northumberland, respectively. Agencies in Cumbria declared readiness for a major incident, and an individual in Belfast was hit by debris.
Met Office meteorologist Tom Morgan expressed concerns about the potential danger to life and damaging winds, emphasizing the unusual blanket wind warning covering the entire UK. Although the Met Office expects a potential improvement in the weather, the widespread impact of Storm Isha remains a significant concern.
With nearly four inches of rain anticipated in some regions, the risk of localized flooding persists. Network Rail implemented 50mph speed restrictions to ensure safety, and Scotland's railway operator canceled all services after 7 pm, with no rush-hour services on Monday morning.
Ferry services, air traffic, and roads faced disruptions, prompting authorities to urge people to stay indoors and avoid unnecessary travel. Storm Isha marks the ninth named storm of the season, driven by cold Arctic air affecting the jet stream, bringing stormier weather to the UK. The situation remains dynamic, with passengers advised to check the status of their flights and commuters urged to exercise caution on the roads. Photo by Storm at Ashton by Thomas Nugent, Wikimedia commons.