Storm Dave has caused widespread disruption across Wales and Northern Ireland, leaving many homes without electricity and affecting travel by road and rail throughout the UK. The severe weather warnings for high winds and snow were lifted on Sunday morning.
In Capel Curig, north Wales, wind speeds reached 93 mph, exceeding forecasts by 20 mph. On Saturday, the Met Office issued a yellow warning for heavy snow and blizzard conditions affecting the Scottish Highlands, Argyll, and the Western Isles.
Train and ferry services in Scotland and Northern Ireland faced cancellations, while Dublin Airport in Ireland reported the cancellation of 17 flights as pilots encountered difficulties landing amid the strong winds.
High winds resulted in power outages for approximately 2,000 homes in County Armagh and County Down, with Glynneath and Abergavenny in Wales being among the hardest hit by electricity disruptions.
Power services have largely been restored, and an amber wind warning that covered parts of northern England, north-west Wales, and southern Scotland was lifted at 3 a.m. Three subsequent yellow warnings in northern England, Scotland, and Wales were also lifted later that morning as the storm moved out to the North Sea.
The Met Office’s Easter Sunday forecast indicated that Storm Dave would move northeast, allowing for sunshine and widespread showers across the UK. The northern regions were expected to experience the most intense, blustery showers, resulting in cooler temperatures, while other areas would see temperatures closer to seasonal averages for early April.
Flood warnings and alerts remain in effect nationwide, including four coastal flood warnings and 32 flood alerts in England, 12 flood warnings and eight flood alerts in Scotland, and eight flood warnings in Wales.
ScotRail announced that emergency speed restrictions would remain in place on parts of its network, leading to longer travel durations. Additionally, Network Rail Manchester has initiated rail replacement bus services between Manchester Piccadilly and Chester due to the adverse overnight weather.
Several bridges continue to experience traffic restrictions, with Edinburgh’s Forth Road Bridge affected, while the Humber Bridge in Yorkshire has reopened after being closed overnight.
In Northern Ireland, some local council facilities are still closed, and visitors are advised to avoid parks and nature reserves.
According to Met Office meteorologist Greg Dewhurst, temperatures are anticipated to rise following Easter Monday, as warmer air from Europe moves in. Forecasts suggest temperatures could reach the low 20s, with highs potentially hitting 20°C or 21°C (68°F or 70°F) on Tuesday and possibly reaching 23°C or 24°C by Wednesday.
