Storm Kathleen wreaked havoc across the United Kingdom on Saturday, bringing strong gusts of wind that affected large parts of the country. A yellow weather warning was issued in the north-west and south-west of England, parts of Northern Ireland, Scotland, and Wales, with gusts of up to 70mph expected in some areas.
The impact of the storm was felt heavily in the aviation sector, with nearly 70 flights departing and arriving at UK airports before midday on Saturday being cancelled. Multiple flights were also diverted, causing chaos for travelers. All Aer Lingus flights leaving Belfast City Airport were canceled, along with several British Airways and Air France services.
Experts have attributed the warmer temperatures across the UK to the storm, as it brought a southerly wind across the country, resulting in temperatures reaching as high as 22C. The Met Office meteorologist Ellie Glaisyer explained that the storm’s location to the west of the UK was responsible for the warmer weather.
In addition to disrupting air travel, Storm Kathleen also caused disruptions in train services across Scotland, prompting Network Rail Scotland to slow trains on several main routes. The storm’s strong winds led to power outages in thousands of homes in Ireland and caused damage, including a crane falling onto a house in Greater Manchester.
Flooding was reported in various areas, with the River Ouse bursting its banks in York city center and flood warnings issued for the River Thames. The aftermath of Storm Kathleen left a trail of destruction and chaos, reminding residents of the power of nature.