Met Office issues yellow warning with gales, flooding and travel chaos expected across UK

The United Kingdom is facing its first major autumn storm as strong winds and heavy rain sweep in from the Atlantic, threatening disruption across much of England and Wales.

The Met Office has issued a yellow wind warning, covering most of England and the entirety of Wales, valid until 18:00 BST on Monday. Meteorologists warn of coastal gales and large waves along southern and western shores, with inland areas also set to feel the force of gusty winds.

Racegoers at Doncaster on Sunday were among the first to experience the incoming deluge, as wind and rain lashed the course. Many huddled under makeshift coverings, bracing for what forecasters warn will be a stormy and hazardous 48 hours.

Power cuts and travel disruption expected
Gusts are expected to reach 45–55mph across inland areas overnight and into Monday, with exposed coasts and hills seeing 60–70mph winds. Although such speeds are common in autumn, trees still carrying full leaves make falling branches and even uprooted trees more likely.

Travel disruption is anticipated, with risks of cancelled rail services, delays on roads, and grounded flights in the most affected areas. Power cuts remain possible, particularly in coastal and rural communities.

Alongside the winds, forecasters predict heavy rainfall across much of the UK. Most areas will see between 10 and 30mm, while upland regions in the west could receive as much as 70mm. This poses a risk of surface water flooding and treacherous driving conditions.

Will the storm be named?
Despite the severity of the warnings, the Met Office says it does not currently expect to name the storm. Storms are only named when impacts are forecast to be “medium” or “high”. The UK’s partners in storm naming — Ireland’s Met Éireann and the Netherlands’ KNMI — could still take the step if the system is forecast to cause greater disruption in their regions.

If upgraded, the first name on this season’s list would be Amy. However, for now, the weather system remains an unnamed storm, albeit one with the potential to disrupt large parts of Britain.

Autumn outlook: wetter than average
The broader forecast for autumn is far from reassuring. September has already seen higher-than-expected rainfall totals in several regions. Early models suggest an increased likelihood of a wetter-than-average period stretching into November.

The unsettled conditions stem from a strengthened jet stream now tracking further south, driving a procession of low-pressure systems across the Atlantic into the UK. These systems are expected to dominate the coming weeks, bringing further spells of rain and high winds.

Meteorologists caution, however, that long-range forecasts carry uncertainty. While the general trend points towards a soggy and stormy autumn, pinpointing when and where the worst conditions will strike remains difficult.

A reminder of last year’s devastation
Forecasters also noted that conditions are unlikely to match September 2024, which saw the wettest month on record for ten English counties. Bedfordshire, Buckinghamshire and Wiltshire were among the regions that suffered widespread flooding after receiving more than three times their normal rainfall.

While a repeat of last year’s extremes is not anticipated, authorities are urging the public to take the current warnings seriously, particularly given the risks posed by fallen trees, localised flooding and hazardous travel.

As the storm front continues its path eastward, residents are being advised to monitor forecasts closely, secure loose outdoor items, and allow extra time for journeys.

The message from the Met Office is clear: this may not be the most severe storm on record, but it is the first major test of the season — and the UK should prepare accordingly