Powerful Storm Jake threatens to cause power cuts and disruption to travel across the UK, Ireland

By Eric Leister, Meteorologist

March 1,2016; 8:10PM,EST

 

 

A series of storms will bring rounds of rain and strong winds to the United Kingdom into Friday.
The biggest threat will be from Storm Jake which will threaten parts of the U.K. with damaging and travel-disrupting winds.

The strongest winds will advance through Wales and southern England on Wednesday.
Wind gusts in excess of 40 mph (65 km/h) will be possible across Greater London, but the strongest winds will be found farther west.
Areas from Southwest England through Wales and Northern Ireland will experience the strongest winds with gusts over 50 mph (80 km/h). Cornwall and Pembrokeshire will likely be hardest hit with isolated gusts over 60 mph (95 km/h) from midday Wednesday through the afternoon and evening.
These strong winds will be capable of producing power cuts, downing trees and causing widespread travel disruptions.
Coastal flooding is also a concern for Cornwall due to the combination of high seas and strong winds at high tide on Wednesday morning.

Giant fireball spotted over Scotland

The strongest winds across Ireland will last through much of the day Wednesday and will generally be 50-60 mph (80-96 km/h), though a few gusts near 70 mph (113 km/h) will be possible at the immediate coast in the North and West.
Snow showers will be possible across the higher terrain with a light accumulation of 5 cm (2 inches) possible.
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Another blast of strong winds will reach northern and western Scotland Wednesday afternoon with gusts near or over 50 mph (80 km/h).
These winds will continue southeast across Wales and England Wednesday night with frequent gusts of 30-40 mph (50-65 km/h).
Showers will also be widespread across the U.K. on Wednesday, though there will be some dry periods throughout the day.

Wintry showers are possible across the higher terrain of the Midlands, northern England and Scotland into Wednesday evening. Accumulating snow will generally be above 200 meters (650 feet). The highest elevations could get up to 10 cm (4 inches) of snow.
Find out when the rain and snow will start or end with a minute-by-minute forecast for your precise location with AccuWeather's MinuteCast®.
The stormy weather pattern will not end with Storm Jake. Thursday will feature less disruptive weather with a few showers and less wind; however, another storm will renew rain and gusty winds on Friday.
While no organized storm systems are expected to impact the U.K. this weekend, there will be a threat for showers and occasional gusty winds.