Storm Diana to pound UK and Ireland with rain, severe gales into Thursday

Storm Diana is set to bring the risk for damaging winds, flooding downpours and travel disruption to the British Isles into Thursday.

Unsettled weather began ahead of Diana’s arrival on Tuesday as gusty winds and a period of rain spread across Ireland and Northern Ireland in the morning, then into Wales, England and Scotland during the afternoon.

Powerful winds arrived Wednesday morning across Ireland and Northern Ireland before spreading into Wales, Scotland and England by the midday hours.

Powerful winds topping 50 mph (85 km/h) will blast all of Ireland as well as Scotland, Wales, Southeast England and Northern England into Wednesday night.

Exposed coastal and higher terrain locations in Ireland, Northern Ireland , western Wales and western Scotland can have multiple wind gusts of 60-70 mph (100-115 km/h).

“The hardest-hit areas can get wind gusts up to 90 mph (145 km/h),” said AccuWeather Meteorologist Tyler Roys.

“These winds can result in significant tree damage, power cuts, moderate coastal flooding and transportation delays,” said Roys.

While damaging winds will be the most widespread concern, local flooding will be possible across northern parts of the U.K.

A soaking rain will fall across Ireland, Northern Ireland and Scotland into Wednesday evening, while blustery showers affect the rest of the United Kingdom and Ireland.

Another blast of rain and wind will sweep across the British Isles late Wednesday night into Thursday, continuing the risk for local flooding, wind damage and travel disruption.

<b>RELATED:</b><br><em><a href="http://www.accuweather.com/en/gb/united-kingdom-weather">United Kingdom Weather Center</a><br><a href="http://www.accuweather.com/get/weather?page=minutecast">MinuteCast® for your location</a><br><a href="http://www.accuweather.com/en/gb/london/ec4a-2/weather-radar/328328">Interactive United Kingdom weather radar</a></em>

The Thursday morning commute could feature significant delays across Wales, the Midlands and southern England.

Improved conditions are expected for the evening commute; however, some gusty winds and showers are still possible.

One final blast of wind is forecast to affect areas across northern and western Scotland late Thursday night and Friday morning, bringing a continued risk for travel disruptions.

Daily rain and gusty winds are forecast for this weekend across the British Isles; however, the risk for damaging winds and flash flooding will subside.

Continued unsettled weather is in the forecast for the first half of next week as additional storms from the Atlantic bring bouts of wind and rain.

Report a Typo