Manchester weather: Storm Debi to bring gale-force winds as Met Office issues warning amid M6 and M62 alerts

Manchester will be battered by Storm Debi and gale-force winds winds on Monday with the Met Office issuing a yellow weather warning. 

Most of northern England will feel the impacts of the strong gusts with the warning - which warns of “possible danger to life from flying debris” - in place from 4am until 6pm. Winds could reach 80mph in some areas with around 50mph more likely in and around Manchester. 

Jason Kelly, chief meteorologist at the Met Office, said: “The strongest winds are expected to affect parts of the Republic of Ireland early on Monday, possibly coinciding with the morning commute, before then affecting parts of north Wales and northern England into the afternoon.

“Whilst the very strongest winds will have eased somewhat before reaching the UK, we are still expecting some significant impacts and a wind warning has been issued. Additionally, Debi will bring a period of heavy rain to Northern Ireland for which a combined wind and rain warning has been issued.”

What does a Met Office yellow weather warning mean? 

• Injuries and danger to life from flying debris are possible
• Some damage to buildings, such as tiles blown from roofs, could happen
• Road, rail, air and ferry services may be affected, with longer journey times and cancellations possible
• Some roads and bridges may close
• Power cuts may occur, with the potential to affect other services, such as mobile phone coverage
• Injuries and danger to life could occur from large waves and beach material being thrown onto sea fronts, coastal roads and properties

National Highways warn of M6 and M62 issues

National Highways have also issued their own amber weather alert with gales approaching.

"Road users in the North West region of England are advised to check ahead and plan for disruption to their journeys," their warning read. Particular concern is being given to the M62 and A628 trans-Pennine routes and routes to the west of the M6 and over the Pennines with occasional outbreaks of heavy rain exacerbating the difficult driving conditions. There is a particularly high risk that high-sided vehicles and other 'vulnerable' vehicles such as caravans and motorbikes could be blown over.