Amber Weather Warning issued for NI with Storm Isha on the way

The Met Office have issued an Amber Weather Warning ahead of a storm forecasted to reach the UK and Ireland on Sunday. A yellow weather warning is also in place for heavy rain.

Storm Isha has been named by the Met Office, and is expected to bring a spell of very strong winds and heavy rain during Sunday evening into Monday. Disruption to travel and utilities is likely.

The Yellow Warning for rain is effective from 12:00pm to 11:59pm on Sunday (21st January), while the Amber Warning for strong winds is effective from 6:00pm Sunday to 9:00am on Monday morning, 22nd January.

A Met Office spokesperson said:

"Very strong southwesterly winds will develop widely across Northern Ireland, western parts of England, Wales and the southern half of Scotland during Sunday evening. Gusts will frequently reach 50-60 mph, perhaps 70 mph at times in a few locations and, along exposed coastal stretches 80 mph is possible at times.

"During the early hours of Monday winds will turn westerly and affect a wider area of southern Scotland and northern England, before easing through the morning.

"Widespread rain will extend northeast through much of the warning areas on Sunday, and will be heavy at times especially over the hills.

"Accumulations of 50 to 70 mm are expected over high ground bringing a risk of flooding. Milder conditions will also lead to a steady thaw of lying snow, mainly across northern parts of the highlighted areas."

Warnings highlight the possibility of travel disruption, power cuts and dangerous conditions near the coast with high waves and flying debris.

Next week

The winds will gradually ease through the day on Monday. Overnight into Tuesday will be a calmer interlude for most, with lighter winds and fewer showers in the north for a time. This does not last for long, however, as low pressure brings further wet and windy weather from the west on Tuesday morning, spreading eastwards across the UK though the day.  

Further into next week there are signs that conditions will settle down in the south, with any wet and windy weather becoming more confined to the northwest of the UK. Temperatures are expected to remain mild for the time of year.