UK weather live: Latest Storm Barra updates as snow hits Scotland
Storm Barra: Major flooding in Cork as extreme weather hits Ireland
Snow is falling in parts of Scotland amid warnings from the Met Office of “very strong winds”, as Storm Barra continues to hammer its way eastwards across the UK.
So far, Devon, in England, has seen the strongest gusts of wind, at 77mph, closely followed by County Down in Northern Ireland (76mph) and Gwynedd in northwest Wales (69mph), according to forecasters.
Striking images show salt-spreading lorries and snowploughs operating in villages around South Lanarkshire, as heavy snowfall begins to settle, while residents of Langstone, in Hampshire, battle sea water flooding the shore line.
It comes after tens of thousands of people were left without power in Ireland due to the republic being hit by severe weather conditions this morning, causing chaos for residents who were told to stay home.
Police in Ireland have urged anyone living in areas such as Cork, Kerry and Clare to avoid unnecessary travel.
In images: Storm Barra continues to hit UK with gale winds
A squirrel investigates two people on a bench in St James’ Park in London amid high winds caused by Storm Barra
(PA)
A wooden fascia lies on the road after high winds blew it off a house in Clonakilty, West Cork
(PA)
Someone’s umbrella gives way to strong winds in London’s St James’ Park
(PA)
Waves crashing onto the rocks in Bantry Bay, West Cork, earlier today
(PA)
Sam Hancock7 December 2021 17:20
‘Heavy’ rain, snow and ‘strong winds’ continue to batter UK – Met
Sam Hancock7 December 2021 16:58
Relief as electricity restored post-Arwen
People have told of their relief after they were finally reconnected after 10 days without electricity.
Northern Powergrid is in its “last push” to restore electricity in areas of the country after it was cut off by Storm Arwen, which battered the country during the last days of November.
The same homes are now expected to be hit by Storm Barra, which has already made its effects felt across the UK and Ireland, with gusty winds battering communities.
The Met Office said it is likely that Barra will not be as bad as Arwen, but that disruption to the travel network is likely, with snow and heavy rain in some areas until Wednesday.
However, despite such assurances, forecasters say there is “a small chance” 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.
Met Office spokeswoman Nicky Maxey said: “It is unlikely to be as impactful as Storm Arwen last week but there will be blustery conditions so people should still be prepared.”
Sam Hancock7 December 2021 16:46
ICYMI: People in Wales face up to 70mph winds and days of disruption
Storm Barra: People in Wales face up to 70mph winds and two days of disruption
Sam Hancock7 December 2021 16:25
Yellow wind warning extended to cover northwest Wales
The updated caution will last from midnight until 6pm on Wednesday.
Sam Hancock7 December 2021 16:14
NI Christmas market closed due to Storm Barra
Belfast Continental Christmas Market will remain closed today due to the “extreme weather conditions” caused by Storm Barra, organisers have said.
“Sorry for any inconvenience this may cause,” a post on the event’s Facebook Page added.
It follows an earlier announcement that Exeter Winter Wonderland will also be closed for today.
Sam Hancock7 December 2021 15:56
In images: Snow in Scotland and flooding in England
Sheep forage for snow-covered grass in Wanlockhead, Scotland
(Getty)
Sea water floods the shore line after high tide in Langstone, Hampshire
(PA)
A person bails water from a property as sea water floods the shore line in Hampshire
(PA)
A person places sand bags outside a property in Langstone as Storm Barra hits the UK with disruptive winds, rain and snow
(PA)
Sam Hancock7 December 2021 15:30
Storm Barra ‘only halfway through’ with stronger winds on way
Storm Barra is only “halfway through” and the strongest winds could be yet to come, Ireland’s housing minister has warned.
Some 49,000 homes are without power and may not be reconnected for a number of days, government officials have said, after the country was battered by winds of up to 130km per hour.
The country’s defence forces are to be drafted in for “extensive recovery operations”, to clear debris and damage caused by the storm, writes James Ward.
Sam Hancock7 December 2021 15:20
Devon records highest gusts of Storm Barra wind
The Met Office has revealed the strongest wind gusts recorded so far during Storm Barra.
Devon, in England, has seen the highest. Here’s how the figures look:
- 77mph at Berry Head in Devon
- 76mph at Orlock Head in County Down
- 71mph at Magilligan in Londonderry
- 69mph at Aberdaron in Gwynedd
- 69mph at West Freugh in Wigtownshire
Sam Hancock7 December 2021 15:10
