UK: Storm Doris to bring damaging winds, travel disruptions Thursday

By Jordan Root, AccuWeather meteorologist

February 21,2017, 2:10:29PM,EST

 

Mild conditions will continue over the next few days in the United Kingdom, but it will be the threat for blustery showers and rainy spells that will likely grab most of the attention.
A series of storms and cold fronts passing through the U.K. this week will bring the threat of disruptive weather at times.
Each storm and front will gradually cut into the recent springlike warmth that had a hold on the region.
Following a couple of storms earlier in the week, Wednesday afternoon will feature a period in between storm systems, although showery spells will still occur across Southern England and Scotland.
However, that period will be short as Storm Doris will quickly arrive late Wednesday night into Thursday morning.
"A strong disturbance crossing the United Kingdom on Thursday will bring strong winds that can gust over 40 mph (64 km/h)," AccuWeather Meteorologist Rob Richards said.

Doris will be stronger than the previous storms earlier in the week and will track farther south, spreading gusty winds and steadier rainy spells across a larger area.
Wind gusts up to 50 mph (80 km/h) will be possible across Southern England which will make for disruptive travel on motorways and in the air Thursday morning. Wind-driven rain will lower visibility at times, leading to slower traffic.
Those taking to the air may face delays or even cancellations Thursday morning.
Stronger wind gusts will be possible across the Midlands closer to where the center of the storm will track. Wind gusts of 60 to 70 mph ( 97 to 113 km/h) will be possible Thursday morning. There can even be isolated gusts higher than that near the eastern coast.

"These strong wind gusts could cause tree damage and power cuts," Richards warned.
Brollies will be needed early Thursday, but strong winds may make it tough for them to be used at times.
The air will be cold enough north of the storm for some snow to fall across the Highlands of Scotland, making for slippery travel.
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Winds will quickly decrease by Thursday evening but will continue to be breezy into Friday.
Temperatures will gradually fall towards the end of the week as cooler air follows in behind each storm. Scotland and Northern England will get the coolest air with each storm as temperatures fall back to normal. However, Southern England will likely remain above normal all week.
Friday will feature a break in the stormy conditions, but another gusty front is expected to pass through the U.K. over the weekend, which will bring another round of showery spells and clouds.