Cold Arctic air that has been dominating the UK in recent days is subsiding, replaced by an Atlantic influence which will bring a return to milder conditions, but also bring wet and windy weather across the UK on Sunday.

National Highways have issued an Amber Severe Weather alert for gales in the North East, Yorkshire, South West, East Midlands, West Midlands, and North West regions of the country from Sunday (January 21) at 6pm until Monday (January 22) at 3am.

Road users are advised to check ahead and plan for disruption to their journeys before they travel.

Storm Isha will bring very strong southwesterly winds to the South West, South East, East Midlands, West Midlands, North West and North East regions this evening. Gusts will frequently reach 50-60 mph, perhaps 70 mph at times and, along exposed coastal stretches 80mph is possible at times. Winds will turn westerly around mid-morning on Monday and ease.

There is a particularly high risk that high-sided vehicles and other 'vulnerable' vehicles such as caravans and motorbikes could be blown over. 

People can find out about road closures from Highways here.

Chief Meteorologist, Dan Suri, said: “Storm Isha will bring strong winds to the whole of the UK through Sunday and into Monday. The areas of particular concern are reflected by a large Amber severe weather warning which covers Northern Ireland, central and southern Scotland, Wales, much of northern England as well as southwestern parts of England.

“In these regions we could see gusts frequently between 50-60mph and even up to 80mph in exposed coastal locations. As the storm starts to move away on Monday morning very strong winds will also develop in the far southeast of England, bringing the risk of 70-80mph gusts here too in the early hours of Monday morning.

“Storm Isha will bring a disruptive spell of weather to the UK with strong winds across the whole country. Heavy rain will cause additional hazards, particularly in the west. A number of severe weather warnings for rain have also been issued. Keep up to date with the Met Office warnings and pay close attention to guidance from your local authority.”

Warnings highlight the possibility of travel disruption, power cuts and dangerous conditions near the coast with high waves and flying debris. A spokesperson for Energy Networks Association, which represents Britain's energy network operators, said: "An amber warning brings an increased risk of damage to homes and vital infrastructure. Energy network operators are preparing to deal with any damage quickly and safely.

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"With severe weather forecast, our advice to customers is to prepare, care and share. Prepare by going online to PowerCut105.com for advice and call 105 for free if you have a power cut. Check in with people who might need extra help, and share this information so friends and family know what to do too.

"If you see damaged power lines or lines brought down over the coming days, stay well clear and call 105 for free to report it, or dial 999 if there’s an immediate danger to life."

As part of the warning, National Highways has listed all of the North East and Yorkshire roads that could be impacted by Storm Isha: 

  • M1 J32 M18 Interchange
  • M1 J34 Tinsley Viaduct
  • M1 J39 - J40 Crigglestone to Dewsbury
  • A628 Woodhead Pass
  • M62 J23 - J25 Huddersfield to Brighouse
  • M62 J31 - J32 Normanton to Pontefract
  • M622 J35a - J36 Rawcliffe Bridge, M18 Interchange to Goole
  • M62 J36 - J37 Ouse Bridge
  • A1M J47 - J49 between Knaresborough and Dishforth
  • A1M J58 - J65 between A1 and Washington
  • A66 between M6 J40 to Scotch Corner
  • A19 Hylton Bridge over River Wear
  • A19 Tees Viaduct
  • A19 Leven Viaduct
  • A69
  • Humber Bridge
  • M6 Shap