Forecasters at the Met Office have issued urgent yellow weather alerts for rain and wind across southern England and Wales, warning residents in 23 specific areas to prepare for potential power cuts and flooding. The warnings are linked to the arrival of Storm Ingrid, which is expected to bring intense rainfall and strong winds until Saturday morning, 24 January 2026.
Key Storm Details and Immediate Impacts
Storm Ingrid, named by the Portuguese national weather service, is currently battering regions already saturated by previous storms. The Met Office predicts an additional 30-40mm of rain in the worst-affected areas by Saturday morning, with wind gusts peaking at 45-50mph inland and up to 60mph near the coast. These conditions have already led to significant disruptions, including power outages affecting over 1,500 homes in Cornwall, specifically in Truro, Hayle, and Lostwithiel, on Friday afternoon.
Widespread Travel and Coastal Hazards
Travel disruption is widespread across the warning area. National Rail has reported delays on lines through South Wales and the South West, while several bus services have been diverted or cancelled due to surface water flooding and fallen branches. Coastal communities face heightened risks from large waves and spray, with residents in Pembrokeshire, Cornwall, and Devon advised to avoid sea fronts. The combination of high tides and storm surges increases the likelihood of coastal flooding, posing a serious threat to low-lying areas.
Flood Alerts and Power Restoration Efforts
The Environment Agency and Natural Resources Wales have issued multiple flood alerts, particularly for the Rivers Severn, Vyrnwy, and Teme. Low-lying land and roads in Powys and across the Welsh border are expected to be impacted through Saturday morning. National Grid engineers are actively working to restore power in affected areas, but the Met Office cautions that "short-term loss of power and other services" remains possible across the entire warning zone until the storm subsides.
Affected Local Authority Areas
The Met Office has specifically named 23 local authority areas facing these severe weather risks. In South West England, the affected regions include:
- Cornwall
- Devon
- Dorset
- Isles of Scilly
- North Somerset
- Plymouth
- Somerset
- Torbay
In Wales, the following areas are under warning:
- Blaenau Gwent
- Bridgend
- Caerphilly
- Cardiff
- Carmarthenshire
- Merthyr Tydfil
- Monmouthshire
- Neath Port Talbot
- Newport
- Pembrokeshire
- Powys
- Rhondda Cynon Taf
- Swansea
- Torfaen
- Vale of Glamorgan
Looking Ahead to a Cold Snap
While the wind and rain from Storm Ingrid are forecast to ease on Saturday morning, meteorologists are closely monitoring a significant cold snap expected early next week. Temperatures are predicted to drop to 4°C to 6°C below average, bringing a fresh risk of snow to many parts of the UK. Residents are advised to stay updated on further weather advisories as conditions evolve.
