Storm Desmond Slams UK and Ireland With Flooding Rain, Strong Winds
Storm Desmond will continue to blast the United Kingdom and Ireland into early Sunday.
The powerful storm will slowly move across the region, producing more damaging winds and flooding rain in some areas.
Total rainfall will average around 75 mm (3 inches) with localized amounts of 150 mm (6 inches).
Streams and rivers will further rise and inundate neighboring land, roads and communities. Urban and poor drainage areas will also face significant flooding.
Drivers are reminded to never drive across a flooded road to avoid a potentially deadly situation. Residents in flood-prone areas should prepare for possible evacuations.
BBC News reports that homes have been flooded and roads closed after the River Eden overflowed its banks in Cumbria.
A major incident was declared across Cumbria by the Cumbria Police and partner agencies as many roads have been blocked or impassable due to flooding and widespread surface water.
While the strongest winds have subsided across the Scottish Highlands, the rest of the British Isles face strong winds in excess of 40 mph (65 km/h) into early Sunday.
"There will be gusts to 75 mph (120 km/h) across coastal areas and the higher terrain of Ireland, Scotland and northern England," AccuWeather Meteorologist Steve Travis said. Winds will even top 75 mph (120 km/h) in a few locations.
Tree damage, power cuts and travel delays are expected during the worst of the storm before the winds gradually diminish from northwest to southeast into early Sunday.
Due to the wet ground, the strong winds may down more trees and power poles than amid a dry spell.
Greater London will escape the strongest winds and highest risk of damage, but gusts to 50 mph (80 km/h) can still cause problems.
Loose holiday decorations and other lawn items should be tied down or brought inside as winds will be strong enough to toss them around and cause damage.
More flight delays and cancellations will occur and drivers of high-profile vehicles should be on alert for dangerous crosswinds.
Train service is also being disrupted by Storm Desmond. National Rail reports that flooding and a landslip are preventing trains from running between Preston and Carlisle.
The weather will turn more tranquil later Sunday, but larger rivers may rise further as flood waters drain downstream.
The break from the storminess will not last long with another fast-moving storm set to return rain and wind to the British Isles Sunday night into Tuesday.
"This storm will track west of the British Isles, meaning the worst winds will target places from western Ireland to western Scotland," Travis said. "Wind gusts will likely range from 50-75 mph (80-120 km/h) with the highest at the coast and the higher terrain."
"For southern and eastern England, the winds [early next week] will not be as strong as this weekend," added Travis.
A repeat of the rain amounts from Desmond are not expected. However, AccuWeather Meteorologist Tyler Roys warned that enough rain could fall on Ireland, Northern Ireland, western Scotland, Wales and Northwest England to bring "enhanced flooding issues."
Content contributed by AccuWeather Meteorologist Eric Leister.
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