Severe Storm Isha Leaves Thousands Without Power in the UK
The recent storm Isha has caused severe damage across the UK, leaving thousands of people without power. Heavy rain and winds up to 99mph have impacted Scotland, Northern Ireland, north-west England, and Wales. Unfortunately, two people have lost their lives and many in remote areas are facing power outages until Tuesday.
Prime Minister Rishi Sunak has stated that the government is working hard with authorities to restore power to homes, and electricity has already returned to nearly 300,000 properties. However, some areas, particularly in remote regions, may remain without power until Tuesday. Lawrence Slade from the Energy Networks Association has explained that it has been challenging to coordinate engineer teams due to the widespread impact of the storm. Engineers are only able to carry out repairs when it is safe, and they are utilizing helicopters and drones to help direct them to affected areas faster.
In the Republic of Ireland, approximately 235,000 homes and businesses were also hit by power outages. Furthermore, numerous schools in Scotland and Northern Ireland were forced to close due to the storm.
While transport services are gradually recovering, some roads remain closed and rail lines blocked. ScotRail has announced that rail services will be suspended from 19:00 GMT on Tuesday due to Storm Jocelyn.
The Met Office has confirmed that Isha is the ninth named storm of the season, with Jocelyn being the tenth. The impact of climate change on the frequency of storms is unclear; however, a warming atmosphere makes extreme rainfall more likely.
As the storm continues to impact the UK, the Environment Agency has issued flood warnings and alerts in various regions. It is advised that residents stay informed and take precautionary measures to ensure their safety.
The impact of Storm Isha has been significant, and the government and authorities are working tirelessly to restore power and safety to affected areas.
If you have been affected by the storm, want to share your experiences, or discuss your travel plans, please email haveyoursay@bbc.co.uk or contact the BBC directly. Your input is valuable, and we encourage you to stay safe and informed during this challenging time.