Storm Ciara set to be worst storm to hit UK in 7 years - here's when it is due to batter Portsmouth

STORM Ciara is set to be the worst storm to hit the UK in seven years.
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A ‘severe’ Amber weather warning has been issued for across the Portsmouth area on Sunday with high winds expected to batter the region.

Heavy rain is also on the forecast, with the gales predicted to reach speeds of 63mph tomorrow.

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The Met Office has warned that there is a ‘good chance’ that power cuts will happen, while disruptions are expected on the roads, rails and ferries.

Storm Ciara is set to hit Portsmouth on Sunday. Picture: Keith WoodlandStorm Ciara is set to hit Portsmouth on Sunday. Picture: Keith Woodland
Storm Ciara is set to hit Portsmouth on Sunday. Picture: Keith Woodland

The Independent reports that Met Office meteorologist Simon Partridge said: ‘It is going to be more significant than the other two storms we have seen this season.

‘In terms of widespread effect, the last one it is on a par with was in 2013. Everybody will feel some effects from it.’

Several rail firms announced they will operate reduced timetables amid speed restrictions due to gusts of up to 80mph.

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Network Rail and train operators in England issued an alert to passengers, which read: ‘Only travel by train this Sunday if absolutely necessary.’

Strong winds have the potential to damage overhead electric wires and tracks due to debris or trees falling onto the railway.

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Storm Ciara: Portsmouth residents warned of 'road closures, power outages and da...

Disruption could continue into Monday morning as repair work may be hampered by the conditions.

Passengers are urged to check for updates before they travel.

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Highways England have warned motorists to take extra care on the M27, especially between junction 9 and junction 8, on Sunday.

Met Office chief meteorologist Frank Saunders said: ‘Storm Ciara will bring damaging winds and heavy rain across the UK this weekend and we have issued a range of severe weather warnings giving people time to prepare for potential impacts of the storm.

‘Winds will increase through Saturday across Northern Ireland, Scotland, northern England and Wales, before turning very windy across the rest of UK through the early hours of Sunday morning.

‘Gusts of 50-60mph are expected quite widely across inland areas, with even stronger gusts of 80mph or higher along coastal areas, especially in south-east England and northern Scotland.’

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