Storm Lilian named and is forecast to deliver sturdy winds and heavy rain to UK
The Met Office warned of widespread chaos into this morning as millions prepare for getaways.
Travellers were braced for public transport turmoil, especially on rail and ferry services. A yellow weather warning covering most of the north, East Midlands and north Wales was issued last night and stretches into tomorrow.
Winds of up to 70mph are widely forecast across northern parts of the country Friday morning but some areas will be battered by even more powerful gusts.
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Met Office spokesman Stephen Dixon said: “Storm Lilian is an area of low pressure which is going to be drifting towards the UK from the west and bringing some strong winds and some heavy rain.”
(Image: Press Association Images)
People were urged to watch out for dangerous flying debris from buildings which could cause serious harm.
Mr Dixon added: “Take steps to do what you can do to protect your property and people from injury.”
Lilian is the 12th named storm of the season – the furthest the Met Office have got through the list since it was introduced – and the first since April. Bookies slashed the odds on this August being the wettest on record.
(Image: PA)
Nicola McGeady, of Ladbrokes, said: “With rain expected to ravage the country this bank holiday, we have seen a flood of bets on record rainfall this month.”
Storms are named when they have the potential to cause disruption or damage which could result in an amber or red warning, the Met Office said.
Lilian’s force is expected to fizzle out by Friday afternoon as it reduces in intensity and pushes off into the North Sea, leaving scattered showers for most for the rest of the day.
(Image: Geoffrey Swaine/REX/Shutterstock)
Heavy rain is still a possibility for Saturday but should settle down later on, especially across southern and eastern England and Wales.
Temperatures will reach highs of 21C Saturday and Sunday and 23C on Monday in the South East, slightly below average for the time of year.
A New Order music concert due to take place in Cardiff was cancelled this evening because of “severe winds”.
(Image: Getty Images)
Reading & Leeds festival-goers were likely to dodge the worst of the weather.
RAC Breakdown spokesperson Alice Simpson said the wild weather and large volume of bank holiday trips could pose the “perfect storm” for drivers.
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