January 26, 2025
As Storm Herminia sweeps across Europe, it has already begun to leave a significant mark, bringing severe weather conditions to the UK, Ireland, and Spain. With high winds, heavy rain, and coastal warnings in place, authorities are urging residents to stay vigilant and prepared for further disruptions.
Storm Herminia’s Impact in the UK
The UK Met Office has issued multiple Yellow Warnings for wind and rain, covering large swathes of the country, including the South West, Midlands, London, and the South East.
-
Wind Speeds: Gusts of 55-65 mph are expected, with localized gusts reaching up to 80 mph near coastal areas.
-
Heavy Rainfall: The storm is forecasted to bring 10-20 mm of rain to most areas, with exposed high ground potentially seeing up to 50 mm. Some regions may experience up to 80 mm of rainfall if additional heavy rain develops on Sunday evening and continues into early Monday.
-
Disruptions: These conditions are likely to cause travel delays, power outages, and potential damage to buildings.
Residents are advised to secure outdoor items and prepare for possible power cuts as the storm’s effects intensify through the night.
Ireland Faces Harsh Conditions
Ireland is also feeling the brunt of Storm Herminia, with strong winds and widespread rain making conditions challenging across the country.
-
Power Outages: Over 400,000 premises have lost power, with restoration efforts underway.
-
Wind Chill and Frost: Bitterly cold conditions, coupled with frost and significant wind chill, have been reported.
-
Warnings Issued: Yellow warnings for wind and rain remain in place, as gusts of up to 61 mph have been recorded.
Authorities warn that the rough weather will persist through Monday, with only a slight improvement expected by Tuesday night.
Spain Under Siege
The Spanish Meteorological Agency (AEMET) has issued an urgent statement regarding the storm, as it affects the northwest of the Iberian Peninsula with intense rain and gale-force winds.
-
Red Warning in La Coruña: Coastal winds reaching 55 mph have prompted the cancellation of outdoor events and significant disruptions.
-
Heavy Rainfall: Some Galician provinces, including Lugo, Ourense, and Pontevedra, are experiencing rainfall of up to 100 liters per square meter within 24 hours.
-
Other Warnings: Asturias, Picos de Europa, and parts of the Cantabrian coast face orange alerts due to winds exceeding 62 mph.
Safety Recommendations
Residents across affected areas are urged to take precautions to stay safe during Storm Herminia.
-
Stay Informed: Regularly check updates from local weather services and follow advisories.
-
Secure Outdoor Items: Prevent outdoor furniture, bins, and other items from becoming projectiles by securing them properly.
-
Travel Caution: Avoid unnecessary travel and check for delays or closures if travel is essential.
-
Prepare for Power Cuts: Gather essentials like torches, batteries, and mobile power packs.
-
Coastal Safety: Be cautious near the coast, where large waves and strong winds can pose severe risks. Avoid walking near cliffs and keep pets on leads.
Looking Ahead
While the worst of Storm Herminia’s impact is expected to subside by Monday, weather experts caution that another low-pressure system may approach later in the week, potentially escalating conditions once again. Authorities are urging everyone in affected regions to remain vigilant and prepared for rapidly changing weather patterns.
For now, staying safe means staying informed and prepared as Storm Herminia continues to unleash its fury across Europe.