Storm Bram has battered the UK with winds reaching 90mph and torrential rainfall, triggering "danger to life" warnings and causing widespread travel chaos. The Met Office issued four amber weather alerts and multiple yellow warnings across England, Wales, Scotland, and Northern Ireland on Tuesday.
The storm grounded flights, stranded ferry passengers, and disrupted rail networks. All flights at Manchester Airport were cancelled, affecting mainly Aer Lingus and British Airways services. Dublin Airport reported 42 cancellations as of 7:45am Tuesday, with more expected as wind speeds increased. «Strong winds are forecast for Dublin Airport over the course of the day, which has already resulted in airlines cancelling a number of flights,» the airport said in a social media post.
Transport Network Paralysed
Ferry operator CalMac reported all 30 of its west coast Scottish routes affected by cancellations or disruptions. P&O Ferries and Stena Line suspended sailings between Cairnryan and Northern Ireland.
ScotRail implemented speed restrictions across its network, with services between Fort William and Mallaig suspended from 4pm Tuesday, and Dingwall to Kyle of Lochalsh from 5pm. «Safety is our absolute priority, and with Storm Bram expected to bring severe weather, we're advising customers to plan ahead and check their journey before setting off,» said Mark Ilderton, ScotRail's service delivery director.
The M66 in Greater Manchester closed near Ramsbottom following a multi-vehicle crash and flooding.
Extreme Weather Warnings
The Met Office issued amber wind warnings for northwest Scotland, where gusts up to 90mph were forecast for Tuesday afternoon and evening. Dan Suri, Met Office chief forecaster, said: «Storm Bram will bring a very wet and windy spell of weather, with very strong winds and further heavy rain which falling over saturated ground, could cause flooding impacts.»
Amber rain warnings covered parts of south Wales and southwest England, with 50-75mm expected and up to 100mm possible in exposed locations. The warnings highlighted potential flooding, flying debris, and damage to buildings.
Yellow warnings extended across much of the UK, predicting widespread gusts of 50-60mph, potentially exceeding 70mph in exposed areas.
Power Cuts and Flooding
Around 3,000 properties lost electricity across England and Wales, with the West Midlands worst affected at approximately 1,200 homes. Wales saw 850 properties without power.
Flood warnings were issued for 39 areas in England, 12 in Wales, and 20 in Scotland. The Environment Agency closed flood gates in Morpeth, Northumberland, and urged residents near the River Derwent and River Ouse in York to take immediate action.
Natural Resources Wales reported the River Tawe at Ynystanglws in Swansea was «at its peak, or very close to it.» Streets near the River Ouse in York already showed significant flooding.
Stay Safe Advice
Ross Moran, route director at Network Rail Scotland, urged the public to secure loose items: «We are asking you to help us keep trains moving by securing loose garden furniture, trampolines and anything else that could be blown onto the tracks.»
The Royal Society for the Prevention of Accidents advised residents to stay indoors during severe weather, avoid unnecessary travel in amber warning areas, and never attempt to drive through floodwater.
Met Éireann, Ireland's weather service, named the storm after Dublin native and Dracula author Bram Stoker. The system marks the second major named storm of the season following Storm Amy in October.
Note: This article was created with Artificial Intelligence (AI).
