Sections of the UK are currently dealing with power shortages and extensive travel disturbances due to Storm Lilian – causing Leeds Festival organizers to close two stages as a result of strong winds.
The storm swept through Wales and England this morning, leaving over 60,000 homes in the north of England without power or experiencing supply challenges.
Northern Powergrid explained that they have encountered “significant disruptions to power supplies affecting more than 63,418 customers so far”.
The most severely impacted region is West Yorkshire as stated by the power company. They have successfully restored power to more than 27,000 affected customers.
A statement released on the Northern Powergrid website mentioned: “We recognize the challenges our customers face during power outages and we are committed to working through the storm to swiftly restore power.”
Northern Rail reported issues throughout their network, resulting in service disruptions to and from cities such as Leeds, Liverpool, Manchester, Sheffield, and Wigan. Passengers were advised against traveling this morning, with disruptions expected until 11 am.
Various routes in Wales, namely Wrexham General to Chester and Bidston, Machynlleth to Shrewsbury, have also experienced disruptions.
Check the Sky News forecast for your region
A tree branch obstructing a cycle path in Leeds city center. Pic: PA
Police overseeing the clearance of fallen tree branches obstructing roads and tram routes in Manchester. Pic: Reuters
Due to the intense winds at Leeds Festival, organizers advised campers to “remain in your tents if you are already on site and feel secure to do so”.
A notice on X stated: “If you are in your vehicle, please stay inside. If you have not arrived at the festival site yet, please postpone your arrival.”
They later announced that two stages – the BBC Radio 1 stage and the newly introduced ‘Aux’ venue – will not have performances today.
Flying has also been disrupted, with British Airways canceling 14 scheduled departures from London’s Heathrow. Several other flights faced delays.
An airline spokesperson attributed the disruptions to “constraints imposed by air traffic control due to adverse weather conditions across the UK”.
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Scaffolding blown over in Rhyl, Wales, due to storm Lilian in the UK. Pic: David Bailey/PA
What does the weekend’s forecast look like?
A yellow warning for rain is in effect for much of South East England from 6 am to 1 pm on Saturday.
The warning spans from the Isle of Wight to Ipswich, Suffolk, including London.
Anticipate “periods of rain, occasionally heavy, likely to cause travel disturbances and potential flooding in certain regions,” according to the Met Office.
The North and North West will experience “an unsettled weekend” with various weather fronts moving through, bringing more sustained rain, especially to parts of western Scotland and Northern Ireland, as forecasted by the Met Office.
In the South East, temperatures will reach 21C on Saturday and Sunday, and 23C on Monday, slightly below the seasonal average.
By Sunday, southern Britain and Ireland will see predominantly dry conditions with some sunshine, while showers or prolonged rain will occur elsewhere. It will remain cool and fairly windy, particularly in the North.
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A similar scenario is predicted for the bank holiday Monday with mainly dry weather in southern and eastern regions, accompanied by clear skies or sunshine, while winds pick up again in the North and West.
Temperatures are expected to remain below average for most parts of the country.
Looking ahead, more settled conditions are forecasted toward the end of next week to conclude the month and season, according to Sky’s Jo Robinson. Additionally, there is a growing likelihood of very warm or hot conditions affecting at least the South.
