Storm Freya

Storm Freya was named after a yellow warning for wind was issued on Friday 1st March; a low pressure system was forecast to bring strong winds on Sunday 3rd and Monday 4th March.

Storm Freya formed in the Atlantic, the low pressure centre first bringing strong winds and rain to the southwest on 3rd, before affecting large areas of England and Wales on her transit northeastwards; eventually clearing into the North Sea on 4th. Snow fell on the northern flank of the low, across the northern Pennines and southern Scotland. The strongest winds were recorded in south Wales. Storm Freya arrived after a period of record-breaking warmth at the end of February. 

 

Storm Freya maximum wind gusts (mph)

Site Name	Area	Max gust (mph)
Mumbles	Swansea	76
Capel Curig	Conwy	74
Pembrey	Carmarthenshire	70
Scilly	Isles of Scilly	68
Needles	Isle of Wight	68
Chivenor	Devon	68

Storm Freya Impacts:

No amber warnings were issued as forecast wind speeds were lower than some other named storms, but there were still some impacts causing disruption. Reports of fallen trees, damage to power lines and coastal flooding due to waves overtopping were all reported, having an impact on travel, homes and businesses. Snow across the northern Pennines had an impact on travel between Northumberland and Cumbria.