UK weather: Gusts of 78mph hit UK as Storm Antoni drenches country with heavy rain
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Gusts of up to 78mph hit parts of the UK on Saturday as Storm Antoni brought heavy rain and strong winds to the country.
Amber warnings for wind in southwest Wales and southwest England, a wider yellow warning for wind across southern parts of the UK and a yellow thunderstorm warning have all now elapsed as things calm down into the night.
Earlier, the Met Office, said Storm Antoni would be “potentially disruptive” as it moved from west to east – and it was likely some roads and bridges would need to close.
Senior operational meteorologist at the Met Office, Rachel Ayers, said the conditions could be attributed to the jet stream – a fast-flowing current of air – bringing in a low-pressure system across the UK.
Ms Ayers said: “We’re currently on the northern, cooler side of the jet… keeping the more settled weather further south.”
However, she was more optimistic about the coming week, saying it could be warmer and more settled than what the UK has experienced over the past month.
Few parts of the UK escaped downpours, cloud and cold conditions – with low pressure persisting following the sixth-wettest July in history.
Some events planned for this weekend were cancelled, with Dorset’s jazz festival Stompin’ on the Quomps postponed for the first time in its 30-year history.
About 10,000 people were expected to attend, but organisers were concerned for the safety of both traders and spectators alike.
However, one event that went ahead was Brighton Pride, despite a yellow weather warning being issued for the coastal city and downpours drenching attendees.
Revellers gathered on the wet streets cloaked in ponchos as performers waltzed through the streets despite the heavy rain and winds.
NHS nurse Leo Gonzales travelled from London to the festival, and despite getting “drenched”, he said everyone was having “fun [in an] engaging and inclusive” environment.
Antoni is the second storm to cross the UK in five days.
