UPDATE WITH WARNINGS FROM UK METEOROLOGICAL OFFICE, REVISES HEADLINE, LEDE, ADDS DETAILS, REVISED THROUGHOUT
By Aysu Bicer
LONDON (AA) – In the aftermath of Storm Isha, a new weather system, Storm Jocelyn, is poised to bring the UK additional challenges, warned the country's meteorological office on Monday.
Despite being weaker than its predecessor, Jocelyn is expected to deliver heavy rain and powerful winds across various regions.
Amber and yellow national severe weather warnings for wind have been issued covering much of the UK together with yellow warnings for rain covering parts of western and southern Scotland, and northwest England.
"Although this system will be a step down relative to Storm Isha, with the damage and cleanup still underway, we could potentially see more impacts from Storm Jocelyn," said Met Office Chief Meteorologist Steve Willington.
"Outbreaks of heavy rain on Tuesday could bring rainfall accumulations of 15 to 20 mm (0.6-.79 inches) quite widely with 40 to 50 mm (1.6-2 in) over higher ground in southwest Scotland, the Scottish Highlands and parts of northwest England," he added.
- Storm Isha: 2 dead
Londoners awoke to a tumultuous morning on Monday as Storm Isha unleashed roaring winds across the UK, disrupting travel in its wake.
Winds reached up to 159 kilometers per hour (99 miles per hour) as the storm battered the country, causing power outages, transportation halts, and significant damage.
The powerful storm plunged thousands of residents into darkness, with some remote areas bracing for the possibility of being without power until Tuesday.
In Falkirk, Scotland, an 84-year-old man lost his life when a car he was a passenger in collided with a fallen tree.
In Limavady, County Londonderry, Northern Ireland, a tree fell onto a man's car, killing him.
In Scotland, an "unusual" danger-to-life red weather warning was in place until 5 a.m. (0500GMT), resulting in a complete suspension of train services across the country.
London commuters faced substantial disruptions on Transport for London and national rail services, as Isha hurled debris onto railway lines and caused infrastructure damage.
Air traffic control restrictions led to flight cancellations and diversions, impacting travel plans for many.
Heavy downpours added to the chaos, with 28 flood warnings issued in England and 50 in Scotland.
Thousands of homes in the northwest of England and Wales were plunged into darkness as power outages swept through the affected areas. Electricity companies reported a surge in complaints as they worked to restore power.
Travelers bound for the UK and Ireland found themselves redirected on lengthy diversions, and, in some cases, forced to land in different countries due to difficulty predicting Isha's path.