UK, Ireland: Storm Barra forecast to bring adverse weather through at least Dec. 8

Event

Storm Barra is forecast to bring heavy rainfall, strong winds, and snow across Ireland and the UK through at least Dec. 8. Winds of up to 80 kph (50 mph) are forecast in some coastal areas and heavy rainfall could lead to localized flooding and transport disruptions.

As of Dec. 6, Met Éireann has issued the following weather warnings across Ireland:

Red wind warning (the highest on a three-tier scale): Kerry and Cork counties.
Orange wind warning: Clare, Limerick, Waterford, Galway, Mayo, Wexford, Dublin, Louth, Wicklow, and East Meath counties.
Yellow wind warning: the rest of Ireland.

The UK Met Office has issued the following weather warnings:

Yellow rain and wind warning: All of Northern Ireland.
Yellow wind warning: All of Wales and England as well as southern and eastern Scotland.
Yellow snow warning: Southern and central Scotland and northwestern and central England.

Met Éireann has also issued marine warnings for the seas around Ireland. The Scottish Environment Protection Agency, England's Environment Agency, and Natural Resources Wales have issued flood warnings and alerts for some coastal and riverine areas. Authorities will likely issue new alerts or update/rescind existing advisories as weather conditions change over the coming days.

Hazardous Conditions
The storm could produce rounds of heavy precipitation (including rain and snow), strong winds, and isolated thunderstorm activity. Where precipitation falls as rain, flash and areal flooding is possible. Such flooding is possible in low-lying communities near watercourses and other large bodies of water, as well as in urban areas with easily overwhelmed stormwater drainage systems. Sites located downstream of large reservoirs may be subject to flash flooding after relatively short periods of intense rainfall.

Precipitation could fall as snow in higher elevations over the coming days. Wind gusts could cause blowing and drifting snow; decreased visibility is likely in mountainous areas. Rain-induced landslides cannot be discounted in areas of elevated terrain; there is also the possibility of avalanches in mountainous areas where the snowpack has become unstable due to heavy snowfall. Power outages could occur throughout the affected area through Dec. 8. Around 1,600 homes in northeastern England and hundreds in Scotland are still without power following Storm Arwen in late November and response operations to restore power in these areas are ongoing.

Transport
Floodwaters and related debris may render some bridges, rail networks, or roadways impassable, impacting overland travel in and around the affected area. Flooding in urban areas could also result in significant traffic congestion. Heavy snow will likely make driving hazardous in some areas; authorities could implement temporary road closures or detours in such locations. Mountain passes and tunnels could be closed as a precautionary measure during periods of intense snowfall.

The disruptive weather will likely cause some delays and cancellations at regional airports. Authorities may temporarily suspend port operations if strong winds trigger hazardous sea conditions, impacting freight and passenger maritime traffic. Flooding or snow could block regional rail lines; freight and passenger train delays and cancellations are possible in areas that see heavy rainfall and potential track blockages.

Advice

Monitor local media for weather-related updates and advisories. Out of an abundance of caution, confirm all transport reservations before travel in the affected area. Seek updated information on road conditions before driving or routing shipments through areas where severe weather is forecast; plan for possible supply chain disruptions throughout the affected areas. Stay away from elevated streams, creeks, and other watercourses that are prone to flash flooding. Do not attempt to navigate flooded roadways. Charge battery-powered devices in the case of prolonged electricity outages.