Met Office names Storm Francis with powerful winds and torrential rain set to batter the UK

Kit Heren24 August 2020

The Met Office has named another storm with Britain set to be rocked by fierce winds and heavy rain this week.

Forecasters said Storm Francis will bring gusts of 60mph, possibly reaching 70mph in exposed western parts of the UK, from Monday night.

Rain is expected to be heaviest in Northern Ireland and south-west Scotland where 60-90mm could fall as the storm moves from west to east, the Met Office added.

A yellow wind warning is in place for the whole of Wales and most of England until midday on Wednesday.

Chief Meteorologist Andy Page said: “The UK is in for another unseasonably wet and windy spell with Storm Francis arriving on Tuesday. There will be strong winds and heavy rain, especially in the west of the UK.

“A number of severe weather warnings have been issued and these warnings can be updated regularly so please keep up to date with the latest Met Office forecast.”

Waves caused by Storm Ellen hit coastal defences in Cornwall
Getty Images

Storm Francis should clear up for most of the UK by Wednesday lunchtime, leaving the rest of the day brighter and sunnier, the Met Office said.

The Bank Holiday weekend should see sunshine and occasional showers for most of the UK, before the skies darken again for much of the country from Tuesday next week, forecasters added.

A lifeguard puts out a red warning flag at the beach during Storm Ellen
Getty Images

The Met Office names storms to help humanise them and make it easier for people to remember to take care in extreme weather.

A spokesperson for the organisation said earlier in 2020: "We have seen how naming storms elsewhere in the world raises awareness of severe weather before it strikes."

Storm Francis comes days after Wales and south-west England were battered by Storm Ellen.

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