Powerful Storm Hector to lash UK with damaging winds, rain into Thursday
By Eric Leister, AccuWeather senior meteorologist
June 14, 2018, 4:46:37 AM EDT
Share this article:
Storm Hector is set to unleash locally damaging winds and rainfall across the United Kingdom into Thursday.
Hector became the first windstorm to be named by the Met Office and Met Eireann during the summer since naming of storms began in 2015.
Typically, storm systems are less intense from late spring into early autumn, failing to reach the criteria for being officially named. However, Hector will bring the threat for widespread damaging winds to parts of the U.K.
The hardest-hit areas will be from Northern Ireland into Scotland, northern Wales and northern England.
These areas can expect frequent wind gusts of 40-50 mph (65-80 km/h) with localized gusts up to 60 mph (97 km/h).
Areas at risk for these locally damaging winds include Belfast, Edinburgh, Glasgow, Newcastle upon Tyne and Carlisle.
The strongest winds will occur into the early afternoon on Thursday.
Travel disruption is expected with potential impacts ranging from reduced speed limits and closed bridges to dangerous cross winds for high profile vehicles.
The strong winds can also result in tree damage and power cuts.
Strong winds will lash Liverpool, Manchester and surrounding areas with gusts up to 45 mph (72 km/h) through the early afternoon.
These strong winds could impact the royal proceedings in Cheshire as Queen Elizabeth and Meghan Markle, the Duchess of Sussex, officially open the Mersey Gateway Bridge.
While not all of the U.K. will experience damaging winds, it will still be quite windy by summertime standards across southern Wales and England.
Locations from Cardiff to London can expect frequent gusts of 20-30 mph (32-48 km/h).
RELATED:
United Kingdom Weather Center
MinuteCast® for your location
Interactive United Kingdom weather radar
In-depth blog: Details on Hector
Hector will also produce rainfall throughout the U.K. into Thursday.
The heaviest rain will be focused from Northern Ireland into western Scotland where local amounts up to 25 mm (1 inch) will be possible.
Farther south, rainfall will be limited to a couple of blustery showers in Manchester, Cardiff and London.
Hector will quickly depart, allowing winds to subside late Thursday into Thursday night.
Another storm arriving from the Atlantic will bring the threat for more rainfall from late Friday into the weekend.
More Weather News
-
What homeowners need to know about fire insurance
Weather News
As devastating wildfires appear to worsen each year, many residents who might face potential impacts might choose to take additional steps to protect their homes.
-
Cyclonic Storm Phethai to soak eastern India, Bangladesh into Tuesday
Weather News - December 17, 2018, 9:24:28 AM EST
Cyclonic Storm Phethai made landfall in eastern India on Monday and will track northeast bringing damaging winds and flooding rainfall to the country into Tuesday.
-
5 things you should know during a Red Flag Warning
Weather News
Many people live in a high fire area, so knowing what to do and what not to do when conditions are ideal for a wildfire could be live-saving.
-
Early week storm may be strongest yet this season in northwestern US
Weather News - December 17, 2018, 4:42:52 AM EST
The next storm aiming for the northwestern United States will pack a big punch in Washington and Oregon through Tuesday.
-
Owen makes 2nd, more severe strike on Queensland, Australia
Weather News - December 17, 2018, 9:48:46 AM EST
Residents of northern Queensland endured a second and more severe strike by former-Tropical Cyclone Owen.
-
Snow, rain and wind in late-week storm to impact holiday travel in eastern US
Weather News - December 17, 2018, 1:56:52 AM EST
As students embark on winter break, last-minute shoppers head to the stores and holiday travel ramps up across the country later this week, a major storm could lead to widespread travel headaches in the eastern U.S.
-
Snow showers, squalls to accompany fresh wave of cold air in northeastern US Monday
Weather News - December 17, 2018, 1:17:20 AM EST
Cold air diving into the northeastern United States to start the new week will be accompanied by gusty winds, snow and the threat for slippery travel.
-
Photos: Snow, freezing rain from Storm Deirdre causes disruptions across UK
Weather News - December 16, 2018, 6:13:02 PM EST
Storm Deirdre caused travel hazards, power outages and disruptions this weekend across the United Kingdom.
TRENDING NOW
Rock salt versus salt brines: What's best for road safety?
As the country drudges through the winter, transportation departments located in the season’s icy grip are implementing new strategies to keep roadways safe.
Read Story
Photos: Snow, freezing rain from Storm Deirdre causes disruptions across UK
Storm Deirdre caused travel hazards, power outages and disruptions this weekend across the United Kingdom.
Read Story
Comments
Comments that don't add to the conversation may be automatically or manually removed by Facebook or AccuWeather. Profanity, personal attacks, and spam will not be tolerated.