A Yellow weather warning for has been issued for today (Wednesday, September 27) as storm Agnes hits the UK, affecting North Wales.

The warning covers Conwy, Denbighshire, Flintshire, Gwynedd, Wrexham and Ynys Mon.

Strong winds are expected across the region, with the Met Office forecasting that winds will pick up in the morning “to leave a very windy day accompanied by some outbreaks of heavy rain throughout, perhaps persistent in the evening”.

Met Office Chief Meteorologist Matthew Lehnert said: “The strongest winds are expected to affect Northern Ireland, southwest Scotland, west and northwest Wales, Cumbria and Lancashire where some places inland may see gusts of 60 mph and 65-75 mph over hills and around coasts. These are most likely during the second half of Wednesday afternoon and through the evening."

Here’s what the Met Office says to expect:

  • Injuries and danger to life from flying debris are possible
  • Some damage to buildings, such as tiles blown from roofs, could happen
  • Some power cuts are likely to occur, with the potential to affect other services, such as mobile phone coverage
  • Road, rail, air and ferry services may be affected, with longer journey times and cancellations possible. Some roads and bridges are likely to close
  • There is a small chance of injuries and danger to life that could occur from large waves and beach material being thrown onto sea fronts, coastal roads and properties, with a chance of some minor flooding of coastal roads

There could be a chance of some damage to buildings from strong winds, as well as the possibility of power cuts for some. Transport disruption is also likely, with some roads and bridges likely to close. 

Steve Basterfield, National Network Manager at National Highways, said: “With the stormy weather being forecast, it is important to plan ahead for your journey, and if weather conditions become challenging, adjust your driving behaviour and take extra care.

“We have a section of our website dedicated to travelling amid storms, high winds and gales, and considerations for different types of vehicle, as part of our guide to travelling in severe weather. It’s also a good idea for people to check their vehicles, such as tyres, coolant and oil levels, before heading out to reduce the risk of breakdowns.”

Storm Agnes is the first named storm of the storm naming season, which runs from September to August the following year.

Storm Agnes’s influence on UK weather is expected to diminish later on Thursday as it weakens and moves further north. Following that system, rain will move into southern areas late on Thursday and into Friday, with some heavy bursts possible for some areas of England and Wales.