As Storm Ciarán takes shape, it's not just the UK bracing for impact. The storm, borne from a potent mix of a 250-mph jet stream at around 30,000 feet, an initial low-pressure area off Newfoundland's coast, and unseasonably warm North Atlantic waters, threatens to unleash its fury across various parts of Europe. These unusually warm water surface temperatures, heightened by human-induced climate change and recording some of the highest global averages for the year, could amplify Ciarán's precipitation levels and speed up its intensification.
The UK, particularly, is in anticipation of a massive downpour and possible flooding. The Met Office's yellow rain warnings now extend across England, Scotland, Wales, and specifically for London on Wednesday (2023-11-01) and Thursday (2023-11-02). These alerts come from significant flooding in areas like Sussex and Bognor Regis over the past weekend. London's inhabitants are particularly cautious, not just because of the rain but also due to strong winds that might damage properties. Along with rain warnings, a yellow wind alert is also in effect for Thursday (2023-11-02), cautioning of the potential structural damages and risks from falling debris.
Travel disruptions are on the horizon, with forecasters highlighting concerns for road and public transportation, especially given the storm's imminent arrival. Regions like Scotland face heightened risk, with warnings indicating a potential "danger to life" from floods. The weekend's episodes in Sussex and Bognor Regis underline the severity of the situation. The Priory Meadow Shopping Centre in Hastings saw evacuations due to flooding, with images showing floodwaters gushing in. Bognor Regis witnessed a caravan park getting overwhelmed, a Tesco supermarket's parking lot underwater, and a house losing its roof to violent winds, reminiscent of a “tornado”.
The Environment Agency, keeping a close watch, has issued 72 flood warnings. Kate Marks from the agency accentuated the risk of “significant coastal flooding in the South West of England” and forecasted “minor coastal flooding impacts” in other southern and western English areas. The directive is clear - avoid floodwaters, particularly in coastal areas, and stay informed with the latest weather warnings.
Furthermore, as Storm Ciarán advances, high waves are not just a concern for the UK. France, Spain, and Portugal have also been flagged for potential surges in the upcoming days. This pan-European threat underscores the expansive reach of Ciarán and the importance of taking timely precautions.
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