Storm Jocelyn Threatens UK with More Wind and Rain

Following the havoc caused by Storm Isha which left two people dead and one seriously injured, the UK braces itself for further challenges as Storm Jocelyn looms, bringing with it the potential for more wind and rain. The Met Office has issued amber and yellow weather warnings for wind covering a significant portion of the country, along with yellow warnings for rain in specific regions of Scotland and northwest England.

A yellow warning for ice is also in place for parts of northern and eastern Scotland. The forecast predicts gusts of up to 80mph in exposed areas, accompanied by 40-50mm of rain over higher ground. Met Office chief meteorologist Steve Willington warns that while Storm Jocelyn may be somewhat milder than its predecessor, the ongoing cleanup from Storm Isha leaves the UK vulnerable to further disruptions.

Heavy rain is expected on Tuesday, with accumulations ranging from 15 to 20mm widely and up to 40-50mm in higher elevations of southwest Scotland, the Scottish Highlands, and parts of northwest England. Wind speeds of 55 to 65mph are anticipated in northwestern Scotland, with the potential for gusts reaching 75 to 80mph in exposed areas of the Western Isles and coastal northwest Scotland early on Wednesday.

Met Office spokesman Stephen Dixon notes that Tuesday will be another wet day before windspeeds intensify in the evening. While Storm Jocelyn’s windspeeds are expected to be slightly lower than Storm Isha, the ongoing cleanup efforts increase the likelihood of additional disruptions.

Transport services, including ScotRail services across Scotland, are expected to face suspension from 7 pm on Tuesday, with no rush-hour services on Wednesday. Martin Thomson, national operations manager for resilience at Transport Scotland, anticipates more delays and cancellations across the wider network during this period.

The aftermath of Storm Isha recorded windspeeds of 99mph at Brizlee Wood in Northumberland and gusts of 90mph at Capel Curig in Snowdonia. Unfortunately, the impact included casualties, with a 26-year-old man in critical condition, an 84-year-old man losing his life in a car crash in Grangemouth, Falkirk, and a fatal crash involving two vans and a fallen tree in Limavady, Co Londonderry.

As the nation grapples with the aftermath of Storm Isha and prepares for Storm Jocelyn, the challenges include power outages, transport disruptions, and ongoing efforts to clear debris from tracks. The resilience of emergency services and transport networks will be crucial in navigating through these turbulent weather conditions.