Storm Barney to bring more rain and strong winds

Barney, the second storm to be named by the Met Office this season, is set to bring more rain and damaging winds to the United Kingdom today.
Flooding in the Ribble ValleyFlooding in the Ribble Valley
Flooding in the Ribble Valley

“Additional rain by Barney will make flooding problems worse in the regions worst-hit over the weekend,” AccuWeather Meteorologist Tyler Roys said.

The Environment Agency has issued a yellow low-risk flood warning for the North West, North East and Wales on Tuesday and Wednesday.

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Rainfall from Barney will generally total around 25mm (1in), but as much as 50mm (2in.) can fall in some areas.

Barney will depart the UK on Tuesday night, but unsettled weather will continue in the days that follow.

“Right on the heels of Barney, the next storm will bring another round of gusty winds and rainfall to similar areas on Wednesday,” AccuWeather Meteorologist Eric Leister said.

It is forecast that Barney, described as “a fast-moving storm”, will bring the very worst of the weather, to southern Ireland and the southern UK from midday today, continuing into the night, with winds gusting up to 75mph in the areas hit hardest. Winds to this speed can down tree limbs, cause power outages and result in minor to moderate coastal flooding, especially at high tide.

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Flight delays are possible at the height of the storm and could affect those flying out of London Heathrow and London Gatwick airports.

In addition to wind, Barney will also cause heavy rain in Northern Ireland into Wales and North West England.

The rainy spell will worsen flooding from ex-Hurricane Kate over the weekend, which caused flooding across the North West. The weekend’s heaviest rain in the North West came over the higher ground of Cumbria, according to the Met Office.

The Environment Agency recorded totals of 178mm (7in.) falling in only 12 hours. Rivers overflowed their banks in the county, flooding roads and farmland, according to the BBC.