The Met Office has issued a yellow weather warning for heavy rain across parts of the UK as Storm Lilian continues to linger. Up to 70mm of rain is expected to batter the south-east, with areas like Kent facing a complete washout. Other areas affected include London, Hampshire, and East Sussex, with the weather front extending all the way to Ipswich in Suffolk. Forecasters have warned that the heavy downpours could lead to flooding and delays on roads, as well as disruptions to bus and train services.
Leeds Festival, held in West Yorkshire, experienced widespread disruption yesterday due to strong winds from Storm Lilian. At least two stages were shut down for the entire weekend, leaving artists unable to perform. The BBC Radio 1 and Aux stages will remain closed, while there is a possibility that the festival’s second largest stage, Chevron, may reopen today. The storm has caused chaos across the country, with train delays, cancellations, power cuts, and some flooding reported.
In addition to Leeds Festival, Creamfields in Cheshire has also been affected by the extreme weather conditions. Attendees woke up to high winds that shook their tents and caused damage. Despite the challenging conditions, festivalgoers have remained resilient and are making the most of the situation.
The Met Office has advised people to avoid trees and falling debris as Storm Lilian continues to bring strong gusts across the country. The storm is the twelfth named storm of the season, with the letter L being used for the first time. The storm season, which runs from September to August, has seen a higher number of storms this year compared to the previous season.
Northern Powergrid reported that over 73,000 people in the North East and Yorkshire region were left without power due to Storm Lilian. The company is working to restore power to affected customers and has urged those in vulnerable positions to seek additional support.
As the storm continues to impact various parts of the UK, the Met Office has issued weather forecasts for the upcoming days. Blustery showers and sunny spells are expected to follow Storm Lilian, with rain moving eastwards across the south. Showers are likely to persist in the north, with drier conditions in the south. Public transport disruptions and localised flooding are possible due to the heavy rain.
In light of the weather warnings, festivals like Leeds Festival have had to make adjustments to their schedules, with some stages remaining closed for the weekend. Organizers are working to ensure the safety of attendees and performers amidst the challenging weather conditions.
Overall, the impact of Storm Lilian on the UK has been significant, with strong winds, heavy rain, and power outages affecting various regions. It is essential for people to stay informed, take precautions, and follow safety guidelines to mitigate the risks associated with the storm.
