Storm Isha causes travel chaos across UK

By Aysu Bicer

LONDON (AA) — 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 entire UK is to remain under a yellow weather warning for wind until midday on Monday, according to the country's meteorological office.

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 (TfL) 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.

"Storm Isha will bring strong winds to the whole of the UK through Sunday and into Monday. The areas of particular concern are reflected by a large Amber severe weather warning which covers Northern Ireland, central and southern Scotland, Wales, much of northern England as well as southwestern parts of England," said the chief meteorologist at the Met Office, Dan Suri.

"In these regions we could see gusts frequently between 50-60mph and even up to 80mph in exposed coastal locations," Suri added.