The Met Office and Environment Agency issued warnings over the potential impacts of Storm Gertrude, the fourth storm strong enough to merit naming under the British and Irish weather services’ joint policy to hit in the past two months.  

Amber warnings are in place over strong winds and heavy rainfall, expected to affect Western Scotland, Northern Ireland and northern England on Friday, with the potential for further flooding in places, according to the Environment Agency. Met Office Severe Weather Warnings are in place from the early hours of Friday morning for far-northern parts of England and Scotland, where winds could reach up to 80 mph in exposed areas. The situation could be more severe in the Northern Isles, where higher winds could cause structural damage and power outages.

Rainfall, which is expected to be heavy in places, is likely to turn to snow in northern areas of Scotland between Friday and Saturday, when temperatures are expected to dip.

On Thursday, Met Office Chief Operational Meteorologist, Paul Gundersen said, "A rapidly deepening area of low pressure is expected to bring a spell of severe weather across northern Britain on Friday.

"There remains some uncertainty over the exact track and intensity of the storm, so people are urged to keep up to date with the latest UK forecast and Severe weather warnings so that they can prepare for the weather. However, there is higher confidence now in the likelihood of a period of very strong winds early on Friday with a spell of storm force winds across the Northern Isles."

Meanwhile, the Environment Agency has warned communities in the north and south west of England and the Severn Valley to remain vigilant to the risk of further flooding into the weekend.

The rivers Severn, Ouse, and Wye are expected to remain high. The Foss Barrier in York, which was closed yesterday but was overwhelmed during flooding in December, is continuing to operate normally. Elsewhere, temporary flood defences and pumps are being deployed, including at Shrewsbury on the River Severn.

Neil Davies, National Flood Duty Manager at the Environment Agency, said: “As more wet weather is on the way we are urging communities in the north, south west, and Severn Valley to remain vigilant to the risk of further flooding.

“Environment Agency teams have been out checking flood defences, clearing watercourses, and supporting communities that are still recovering from recent flooding over Christmas after the wettest month on record.

Davies advised those concerned to check the Agency’s flood warnings system, which is updated every 15 minutes.