What to expect from Storm Jorge

The UK is once again bracing itself for the arrival of a potentially damaging named storm.

The Evening Standard reports that flood-hit communities have been warned that Storm Jorge, named by the Spanish meteorological service, is “set to dump more rain on parts of Wales and northern England”.

Between 50 and 80mm of rain has been forecast for Friday, with even worse weather expected on Saturday.

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Met Office forecaster Emma Salter said it’s “not good news I’m afraid, given all the recent rainfall we've had”, describing Friday as “another wet and breezy day”.

So, what is the outlook for Storm Jorge?

Friday

According to the Met Office, parts of Wales and northern England could see up to 80mm of rain – a month’s worth – on Friday afternoon as the storm hits.

The Daily Mail reports that “downpours have already begun in the West Country with torrential rain forcing the closure of roads”. Yellow weather warnings for rain are in place for the Northwest and Southwest of England, parts of Wales and Northern Ireland between midday on Friday and 9am on Saturday.

The Republic of Ireland is expected to face the strongest and most damaging winds, The Daily Telegraph adds.

Saturday

Jorge is also expected to bring strong winds to much of England, Wales and Northern Ireland on Saturday, reaching up to 70mph on coasts and 60mph inland.

After one of the wettest Februarys on record, police are once again commencing evacuations across Shropshire and Worcestershire, and the Met Office has also issued a yellow wind warning for a 24-hour period from midday on Saturday covering most of England, Wales, Northern Ireland and southwest Scotland.

Flooding along parts of the River Severn, which has reached close to its highest levels in some areas, is likely until at least Sunday, the Environment Agency said. A flood warning covering the river at the Wharfage in Ironbridge, Shropshire, remains in place.

Toby Willison, executive director of operations at the Environment Agency, said: “Our operational teams continue to work night and day to protect communities alongside the River Severn, which is experiencing record levels.

“River levels will remain exceptionally high on the Severn for some time and communities, in particular Shrewsbury, Bewdley, Bridgnorth and Ironbridge, should prepare for potentially ongoing severe flooding.”

Sunday

The Telegraph reports that the storm will be “followed by snow over the hills and mountains in the north of the UK and rain and hail in the south”, adding that winds are “forecast to ease slightly on Sunday”.