The Met Office has issued four weather warnings for wind, while forecasters have advised people especially in coastal areas to be vigilant for ‘airborne wreckage’ which could pose a threat to life
Storm Bram is expected to cause more travel mayhem on Wednesday, after flights and trains were cancellations while hundreds of homes lost electricity supply. Four wind warnings were issued, including an amber alert for “very strong and disruptive” gusts continuing into Wednesday across north-west Scotland.
Yellow weather warnings remain in place until Wednesday evening, while forecasters cautioned that airborne wreckage could pose a potential “danger to life”. The Met Office emphasised the risk of massive waves and coastal debris being hurled onto seafronts, roadways and buildings, while advising people to remain vigilant in seaside locations.
Winds reaching 70-80mph alongside torrential downpours were anticipated across the Highlands & Eilean Siar and Strathclyde until 3am, with gusts potentially hitting 90mph at the most vulnerable western coastal points.
Weather experts advised commuters and passengers to verify bus and rail schedules, plus road conditions for motorists, and adjust travel arrangements where needed.
A National Grid map revealed electricity outages impacting regions of west Wales, south-west England and the Midlands.
By late Tuesday night, England had 30 flood warnings and 138 flood alerts in place, Wales recorded 13 flood warnings and 30 flood alerts, whilst Scotland faced 17 flood warnings and 15 flood alerts.
The M4 Prince of Wales Bridge in Gloucestershire remained shut overnight until 6am on Wednesday for urgent maintenance work to remove 35 defective lighting columns at risk of toppling. The A66 in County Durham/Cumbria was closed to high-sided vehicles in both directions between the A1M (Scotch Corner) and the M6 (Penrith) due to strong winds, as was the A19 Tees Flyover between the A66 and the A1046.
Network Rail Scotland announced that routes shut by Storm Bram, including Fort William to Mallaig, and Dingwall to Kyle of Lochalsh, would need to be inspected at first light for damage and debris before they could be reopened.
On Tuesday, Dublin Airport saw 91 flights cancelled, with approximately another 10 flights being diverted to alternative airports.
There were incidents of flooding and a multi-vehicle crash on part of the M66 in Greater Manchester, which resulted in the southbound lane being closed while crews cleared the water. In York, streets adjacent to the River Ouse were flooded due to heavy rainfall.
Yellow weather warnings are in effect until Wednesday evening, covering the Shetland Islands, Central, Tayside & Fife, Grampian, and further south in Scotland, including Edinburgh and Glasgow.
Meanwhile, much of England and Wales can expect a bright and blustery day on Wednesday, with a few showers predicted.
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