The UK is preparing for another storm as the remnants of Hurricane Kirk move across the Atlantic. A separate tornado warning has been issued for southern regions, including Devon, East Anglia, and the southern Midlands. Residents could face gusts up to 50mph, large hailstones, occasional lightning, and isolated tornadoes, according to the Tornado and Storm Research Organisation (TORRO).
This alert remains in effect until midnight. Despite weakening to an ex-hurricane, Kirk still poses a threat of significant disruption, following recent flooding and Storm Boris. The Met Office has predicted an unsettled week with frequent wind and rain due to low-pressure areas.
Initial forecasts suggested the storm would bring heavy rain, but newer predictions show it veering towards northern France. Forecasters shared a video of potential paths, noting uncertainty in its track and impact on the UK next week. Each potential track in the video indicates the storm heading towards France, though such systems can be unpredictable.
Ex hurricane “Kirk” is now forecast to track well to the south of the UK, through the far NW tip of Spain and through mid France before heading for the south of Denmark, there are no current warnings for this system to impact on the UK @BBCDevon @BBCSpotlight @BBCCornwall pic.twitter.com/uHuZINAWFT
— weatherbraine (@weatherbraine) October 7, 2024
There is still a risk of ex-Hurricane Kirk causing wet and windy conditions in parts of the UK, particularly the south. Scotland and Northern Ireland may experience colder weather and showers from Wednesday, with potential snow on Scottish mountains later in the week. Some areas could see more settled weather by next weekend, though confidence in this forecast is low.
Hurricane Kirk, which has been a major category 4 storm with winds of 145mph, has caused chaos in the tropics and is now heading east. However, there are currently no Met Office weather warnings for the UK.
Chris Bulmer, the Met Office’s deputy chief meteorologist, stated that details on the storm’s exact track and timing are still uncertain. England and Wales face the greatest risk of heavy rain and strong winds on Wednesday and Thursday. A more southern path could shift the worst conditions to France.
Strong winds and heavy rain are likely during this unsettled period. The Met Office’s long-range forecast from October 21 suggests ongoing low-pressure systems from the Atlantic will bring wet and windy weather, especially to England and Wales. Scotland and Northern Ireland might see longer dry spells.
What Other Media Are Saying
- GB News reports on a tornado warning issued for six UK areas, including South West England and the Channel Islands, as Britain braces for hail and lightning amid severe weather.(read more)
- Express. The UK is bracing for Hurricane Kirk, with intense winds of up to 75mph and heavy rain potentially causing widespread disruption, especially along the South Coast and in coastal areas.(read more)
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some common questions asked about this news
Is the UK expecting another storm soon?
Yes, the tail end of Hurricane Kirk is heading towards the UK.
Which areas in the UK are under tornado warnings?
Regions from Devon to East Anglia and the southern Midlands.
What weather conditions are expected with Hurricane Kirk?
Gusty winds up to 50mph, large hailstones, occasional lightning, and isolated tornadoes.
Are there any current Met Office weather warnings for the UK?
No, there are currently no Met Office weather warnings in place for the UK.
Is there a chance the storm might miss the UK?
Yes, most recent forecasts show the storm tracking more towards northern France.
