UK storm: Met Office issues ‘danger to life’ warning as Storm Ciaran causes flooding in UK

A 60-year-old Irish family business has been left in an “absolute mess” following intense floods caused by Storm Ciarán this week.

Paul McCartan, who owns McCartan Bros, a clothing shop in County Down, Northern Ireland, said his shop was submerged under three feet of water and his stock had been ruined.

“It’s a family business, we’ve been going from 1959. I know my father and uncle went through something like this but not maybe as extreme. You’d think nowadays we’d have better defences, but obviously not,” Mr McCartan said.

“Unfortunately, we’re just going to have to see where we go from here, it’s a bit of a nightmare coming into Christmas. I don’t know when I’ll be able to reopen again.”

The weather will stay “unsettled” and “very windy” across the UK over the coming days as Storm Ciarán approaches, the Met Office said.

“Tomorrow, ahead of Storm Ciarán, a squally cold front will move eastwards across southern and southeast England bringing bursts of heavy rain and coastal gusts of 60-70mph, mainly from Dorset eastwards,” Met Office Chief Meteorologist Dan Suri said.

“As well as strong winds, this deep low pressure system will bring heavy rain to many parts of the UK. Much of southern England and south Wales, as well as parts of north Wales, northeast England, southeast Scotland and perhaps the east of Northern Ireland look to see the wettest conditions between Wednesday evening and Friday morning. 20-25 mm of rain may fall quite widely, with 40-60 mm possible over higher ground.”

The British Red Cross has urged people to stay safe by following advice on how to prepare for flooding.

“Weather warnings for wind and rain are in place across parts of England and Wales as Storm Ciarán approaches.

“Stay safe with our advice on how to prepare for flooding, and share this post with others. Keep an eye on Met Office and local news for updates in your area,” it said on X, formerly Twitter.

The Met Office has issued “danger to life” warnings across southern England as the region is set to be battered by strong winds caused by Storm Ciarán this week.

An amber wind warning has been issued for the south-west and parts of Wales between 3am and 1pm on Thursday. Another amber warning was put in place for the south-east between 6am and 8pm on Thursday.

“Amber weather warnings issued. Very strong and damaging winds associated with Storm Ciarán bringing travel disruption. Large waves may also bring coastal impacts,” the Met Office said on X, formerly Twitter.

Flooding caused by Storm Ciarán is connected to climate change with risks more likely in the future due to rising sea levels, Ireland’s environment minister said.

“My heart goes out to those up in Cooley/Carlingford, down in Wexford I know there has been particular flooding, as well as Newry, as well as what happened to Middleton (Co Cork) obviously a few weeks ago,” Eamon Ryan told RTE Radio One.

“Those parts of the country in the south-east tend to be more at risk because of softer ground conditions at the coast. Because there’s also a kind of a longer term trend in terms of that coastline lowering slightly and also obviously rising sea levels.

“So it is connected to climate change. We have to manage and protect our coasts and our people. We can do that, but we have to recognise the reality – the seas are rising, there are particular difficulties also with heavier rains coming, as well as the other elements of coastal erosion.”

Jersey islanders have been warned to remain vigilant amid 90mph winds that are expected to batter the region as Storm Ciarán approaches the UK.

“This is an active situation, and we are closely monitoring the evolving weather patterns and will be releasing further instructions and advice through our official channels in due course.

“We urge everyone to remain vigilant and prepared for severe conditions,” Jersey emergency planning officer Kevin Murphy said.

A bridge has partially collapsed in Ireland due to flooding brought on by Storm Ciarán, according to images posted by residents.

The bridge in County Louth, Ireland, was seen with large chunks missing from it as rainwater gushed underneath and through the gaps.

It comes as the Met Office issued a “danger to life” amber warning amid 80mph winds and heavy rain.

Drivers should take “extra precautions” as they drive across the Northern Ireland this morning, according to the Police Service of Northern Ireland.

“Motorists are advised to take extra precautions when driving this morning, as heavy rainfall across the country overnight has left the roads hazardous in some areas,” it said on X, formerly Twitter.

“Keep a safe distance from the car in front and exercise caution at all times.”

The Met Office has warned of “strong winds and heavy rain” this week as Storm Ciarán is set to hit the UK.

A staggering 72 flood warnings have been issued across England and a further 172 flood alerts, while Scotland has been isued with 18 flood warnings and 11 flood alerts.

Read more here to track when and where the 90mph winds will hit this week:

More heavy rain is expected to sweep over the north east of Scotland in the coming days prompting the Met Office to issue another weather alert.

The latest yellow weather warning for rain covers Aberdeen, Aberdeenshire, Angus, Dundee, and Perth and Kinross – most of which saw prolonged downpours cause problems for residents last week including flooding.

The warning will run from 12pm on Thursday to 12pm on Saturday.

Seven people are known to have died in the UK during Storm Babet, including three people north of the border. They were Wendy Taylor, 57, of Perthshire; John Gillan, 56, of Arbroath; and Peter Pelling, 61, also of Arbroath.