Storm Isha has swept through the UK, leaving thousands without power and causing widespread damage. Heavy rain and winds of up to 99mph have affected Scotland, Northern Ireland, north-west England, and Wales, with remote areas warned they may not have power until Tuesday.
Tragically, two fatalities have been reported due to the storm, with an 84-year-old man and another man dying in separate accidents involving fallen trees. The Met Office has warned that more stormy weather is to come this week, as winds of 99mph have already been recorded in Northumberland.
Power outages have affected over 53,000 homes in Northern Ireland and approximately 30,000 properties across England, Wales, and Scotland. Prime Minister Rishi Sunak has assured the public that the government is working diligently to restore power to affected homes, with over 300,000 properties already seeing electricity return.
Meanwhile, many schools in Scotland and Northern Ireland have been closed, and transportation services, including rail and ferry, have been severely disrupted. Fallen trees and damaged power lines have caused further complications across the country.
The storm has also affected the Republic of Ireland, with approximately 235,000 homes and businesses facing outages, highlighting the widespread impact of Storm Isha.
With high winds and heavy rain expected to continue, the Met Office has issued several weather warnings, including a rare red warning in specific areas. This storm has been named the ninth of the current storm season and is likely to be followed by another named storm, Jocelyn, bringing further strong winds and heavy rain.
The Met Office has noted that the UK may experience the highest number of named storms since 2015, possibly surpassing the record of 11 named storms in one season. These developments coincide with growing concerns about the impact of climate change on the frequency and intensity of storms.
As heavy rain continues, the risk of flooding remains a concern, with flood warnings and alerts issued across England, Scotland, and Wales. Climate change has made extreme rainfall events more likely, as the world has warmed by 1.1°C since the start of the industrial era.
As the nation braces for further stormy weather, the BBC is seeking input from the public on their experiences and preparations for the storm. Those affected are encouraged to share their stories by emailing haveyoursay@bbc.co.uk or reaching out through other channels.
As the situation unfolds, it is imperative for individuals to stay informed and make necessary preparations to ensure their safety during this period of severe weather.
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