UK, Ireland: Adverse weather associated with Storm Jocelyn forecast across much of Ireland and the UK through at least Jan. 24 /update 2

A storm system named Jocelyn is forecast to bring severe weather across much of Ireland and the UK Jan. 23-24. Jocelyn is expected to bring strong winds and heavy rainfall as it moves across northern parts of the British Isles through early Jan. 24. The strongest winds are likely in parts of northern and western Ireland and northern and western Scotland, with winds gusting up to 129 kph (80 mph) possible in these areas. Wind gusts of 65-80 kph (40-50 mph) are likely across much of the rest of the region over the coming hours. Rainfall accumulations of 1.5-2 cm (0.6-0.8 inches) are also forecast over parts of Scotland, northwestern England, and Wales, with isolated higher amounts possible over higher ground. Heavy downpours could trigger flooding in low-lying areas and strong winds may cause property damage and power outages. Disruptions to air travel, ground transport, and ferry services are possible during the passing of the storm. Scotsrail has announced that all services across Scotland will be suspended from 19:00 Jan. 23 and will not resume until tracks have been assessed on Jan. 24. Avanti West Coast has advised that the last London to Glasgow service on Jan. 23 will depart at 15:30 and passengers are also advised not to travel north of Preston from the same time.

Many areas across both Ireland and the UK are still experiencing disruptions following the passing of Storm Isha, which moved over the region Jan. 21-22. Further adverse weather brought by Storm Jocelyn could exacerbate the situation in affected areas. Winds gusting up to 159 kph (99 mph) were recorded in parts of northern England during the passing of Storm Isha. Authorities have reported one fatality in Scotland and one in Northern Ireland due to falling trees hitting vehicles. Hundreds of thousands of homes across Ireland and the UK were affected by power cuts due to Storm Isha. As of Jan. 23, around 57,000 homes across Ireland, 7,000 in Northern Ireland, 2,000 in northwestern England, and 800 across Scotland remain without power; Storm Jocelyn will likely trigger further outages across the British Isles and hamper power restoration in areas still without power. Hundreds of flights across several UK and Ireland airports were canceled, delayed, or diverted due to the severe weather; further disruptions to flights are likely Jan. 23-24.

Met Eireann has issued the following warnings across Ireland Jan. 23-24:

• Orange strong wind warnings (the middle level on a three-tier scale): Donegal, Galway, and Mayo.

• Yellow strong wind warnings: Across the rest of Ireland.

The UK Met Office has issued the following warnings across the UK Jan. 23-24:

• Amber strong wind (the middle level on a three-tier scale): Across parts of northern and western Scotland.

• Yellow rain warnings: Parts of central and southern Scotland, northwestern England, and much of Wales.

• Yellow strong wind warnings: Across Northern Ireland, Wales, Scotland, and northern and central England.

Hundreds of flood warnings and alerts are in place across England, Scotland, and Wales as of Jan. 23. Authorities will likely issue new alerts or update/rescind existing advisories as weather conditions change over the coming days.

Sustained heavy rainfall could trigger further flooding in low-lying communities near rivers, streams, and creeks. Landslides are possible in hilly or mountainous areas, especially where heavy rain has saturated the soil.

Further disruptions to electricity and telecommunications services are possible where significant flooding, strong winds, or landslides impact utility networks.

Ponding on road surfaces could cause hazardous driving conditions on regional highways. Authorities could temporarily close some low-lying routes that become inundated by floodwaters. Severe weather could also trigger additional flight delays and cancellations at regional airports. Flooding could block regional rail lines; further freight and passenger train delays and cancellations are likely in areas with heavy rainfall and potential track inundation.

Localized business disruptions may occur in low-lying areas; some businesses might not operate at full capacity because of flood damage to facilities, possible evacuations, and some employees' inability to reach work sites.