Storm Bram continues to batter the UK with fierce winds and heavy rain on Wednesday, causing widespread travel chaos, power outages, and dozens of flood warnings across the country. The Met Office has warned of "very strong winds and disruption" in affected areas.
An amber warning for north-west Scotland expired at 3am, but three yellow wind warnings remain in effect until Wednesday evening. The alerts cover the Shetland Islands, Central Scotland, Tayside and Fife, Grampian, and southern Scotland including Edinburgh and Glasgow. Wind gusts have reached up to 90mph at vulnerable western coastal points.
Flood warnings spread across UK
As of 5am Wednesday, 30 flood warnings and 138 flood alerts are active in England. Wales has 11 flood warnings and 29 flood alerts, while Scotland faces 20 flood warnings and 15 flood alerts. The Met Office has cautioned about flying debris, building damage, and potential "danger to life" from airborne wreckage, particularly in coastal areas.
Major transport disruption continues
The M4 Prince of Wales Bridge in Gloucestershire remained closed overnight for emergency roadworks to remove 35 faulty lighting columns at risk of collapse. The A66 between County Durham and Cumbria is shut in both directions for high-sided vehicles between the A1M at Scotch Corner and the M6 at Penrith due to strong winds. The A19 Tees Flyover is also closed between the A66 and A1046.
Network Rail Scotland has shut routes from Fort William to Mallaig and Dingwall to Kyle of Lochalsh. These lines require inspection for damage and debris at first light before reopening. Delays are expected on Glasgow Central to Neilston services.
Dublin Airport cancelled 91 flights on Tuesday, with around 10 flights diverted to other airports. The M66 in Greater Manchester saw a multi-vehicle crash and flooding, closing the southbound lane. In York, streets adjacent to the River Ouse flooded due to heavy rainfall.
Power cuts hit thousands
Hundreds of homes have lost electricity across west Wales, south-west England, and the Midlands. National Grid's map showed affected areas experiencing ongoing power cuts.
The Met Office advised commuters and travellers to check bus and train timetables and road conditions, urging them to amend plans if necessary. Much of England and Wales is forecast to have a bright and blustery day on Wednesday with a few showers.
Carlisle in Cumbria recorded 16.8C on Tuesday, breaking the temperature record for December 9.
Note: This article was created with Artificial Intelligence (AI).
