Weekend storm to spread new round of rain, wind from UK to France and Germany
The last in a series of windstorms to sweep through the British Isles, France and Germany will bring another round of rain and locally damaging winds. Snow will also make a late-season appearance in the British Isles.
Communities that faced damage from storms this week can experience disruptions and delays to cleanup efforts as the unsettled pattern continues.
On Wednesday evening, a tornado was reported in western Germany near the border with Belgium, damaging 30 houses and leaving 10 uninhabitable, according to the Associated Press. Five people sustained injuries.
A man removes a tree that hit a car during a storm in Wuppertal, western Germany, Thursday, March 14, 2019. (Holger Battefeld/dpa via AP)
"There will be no respite from the unsettled weather this weekend as another storm arrives with locally damaging winds and downpours," said AccuWeather Senior Meteorologist Eric Leister.
Areas that have been soaked by recent storms will face a heightened risk of flooding with this round, due to the saturated nature of the ground.
"Another soaking rainfall from Ireland into Wales and northern England will set the stage for flooding problems and travel disruptions," Leister said.
Even in the absence of flooding, the rainfall can make journey times longer as spray from other vehicles reduces visibility.
"The potential exists for another round of travel delays and power cuts as wind gusts can exceed 80 km/h (50 mph)," Leister said.
The strongest winds are anticipated along southwest-facing coastal and exposed areas of southern Ireland, Wales and southwestern England.
Trees that have weakened root structures due to the saturated ground will be more susceptible of being downed during this storm.
Enough cold air is expected to be in place or funnel in on the storm's backside for snow and slippery travel in the higher terrain of Scotland, Northern Ireland, northern England and Wales.
"The heaviest snow totals can be measured in the Scottish Highlands, where 8-15 cm (3-6 inches) may settle and create difficult travel," according to AccuWeather Senior Meteorologist Kristina Pydynowski.
Additional showers and chilly winds in the front's wake are expected to keep Ireland and the U.K. unsettled for Sunday.
Some of the showers can turn wintry, especially during the morning and across northern and western areas. Lingering snow from the storm and additional snow showers can lead to slippery travel in the hills to start the day.
Those planning to attend parades, festivals and other gatherings for St. Patrick's Day on Sunday should be prepared for showery spells and windy conditions from Belfast to London, Paris and Frankfurt, Germany.
Sunday morning is expected to be dry in Berlin before a shower or two dampens the city for St. Patrick's Day festivities in the afternoon.
Download the free AccuWeather app to see the latest forecast for your area.
"A period of more tranquil weather may arrive early week, finally bringing a reprieve from the recent stormy weather," Leister said.
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