Tribble Agency
Tribble Agency


Storm Abigail to hit United Kingdom on Thursday - Met Office

A yellow weather warning, the lowest-level warning on the three-tier scale, is in effect for Roscommon, Cavan, Monaghan and all parts of Leinster and Munster.

While the track it will take and the ultimate intensity is uncertain, gusts of a few 60 - 70 miles per hour are likely with a few potentially exceeding 80 miles per hour in exposed locations, particularly at higher elevations.

"There is a strong possibility of disruption to public transport and power utilities".

STV weather presenter Sean Batty, however, urged people not to worry that the storm had been given a named and gales of this speed are fairly normal for the time of year.

Storm Abigail is the Met Office's first storm identified as part of their name a storm project, which they hope will help raise awareness of severe weather and ensure greater safety of the public.

The warning is now in place from 18:00 on Thursday until 14:00 on Friday.

Heavy rain, with occasional thunderstorms and strong, gusty southerly winds are forecast.

When Britain's first named storm does subside through Friday morning, it will quickly be followed by a strong, wet system moving across England, Wales and Scotland.

Paul Gunderson, the Met's chief operational meteorologist, said the storm was also generating unusual lightning in addition to the pummeling winds.

It'll be cold for a time Friday night too, but turning milder overnight as winds back southwest to south by morning.

Ferry operator CalMac is warning that those planning on visiting the west coast could see their plans disrupted.

"The sea conditions we are expecting could well be too treacherous to sail in", said Drew Collier, the company's operations director.

Forecasters have predicted the north west of Ireland will be among the worst areas affected by Storm Abigail over the coming days.

The Scottish Government's Resilience team (SGoRR) have been in contact with the Met Office throughout the week, receiving regular updates on the developing weather system and its potential impacts.

The full list of names chosen for future selection are: Abigail, Barney, Clodagh, Desmond, Eva, Frank, Gertrude, Henry, Imogen, Jake, Katie, Lawrence, Mary, Nigel, Orla, Phil, Rhonda, Steve, Tegan, Vernon and Wendy.

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