Storm Franklin: Met Office forecasts strong winds and London yellow weather warning explained

Storm Franklin is the latest named storm expected to bring chaos to the capital following a week of severe weather events.

Flooding and strong gusts of wind are anticipated by forecasters, as the Met Office has issued weather warnings for Northern Ireland, Wales, England and Scotland, following Storm Dudley and Storm Eunice earlier this week.

Storm Eunice saw the roof of the O2 arena shredded and a woman killed when a tree fell onto a car in Muswell Hill.

An amber warning for wind was in place in Northern Ireland from midnight to 7am this morning (Monday, February 21).

While a yellow weather warning for wind covers Wales, Northern Ireland, most of England, and parts of south-west Scotland from midday on Sunday, February 20, until 1pm today.

Where is Storm Franklin expected?

The storm is forecast to bring strong winds, heavy rain and potential flooding to the UK on Sunday and Monday.

Northern Ireland will be the worst hit but the rest of the country will also experience stormy weather.

A yellow warning for wind is in place across most of England, which includes London.

How long will it last?

The yellow weather warning for Storm Franklin is expected to end at 1pm today.

There are no weather warnings in place tomorrow (Tuesday, February 22).

Met Office chief meteorologist Andy Page added: “Following the significant impacts of Storm Eunice on Friday, Storm Franklin will bring further high winds for many late on Sunday and into Monday, although not on the same scale as Eunice.”

Will London be affected?

London is within the yellow weather warning area issued by the Met Office.

The capital is set to be battered by strong winds.

While a flood alert has been issued for the River Thames at Trowlock Island.

Homes are not expected to be flooded by high tide at 6.15pm is forecast to reach more than 5m.

The Thames Barrier is likely to close for this high tide and the Met Office is closely monitoring the situation.

Incident response staff are in the area operating weirs to reduce flood risk.

What is a yellow weather warning?

The Met Office has warned of further periods of very strong winds on Sunday and Monday, with possible disruption.

People have been told to expect some damage to buildings, such as tiles blown from roofs and trees or branches being brought down.

Road, rail, air and ferry services may be affected, with delays and cancellations possible, while some roads and bridges may close.

Power cuts may occur and mobile phone coverage may be affected.

Injuries and danger to life could occur from large waves and beach material being thrown onto sea fronts, coastal roads and properties.

To check wind, weather and flood warnings in your area, visit the Met Office website.