Get all your news in one place.
100’s of premium titles.
One app.
Start reading
The Independent UK
The Independent UK
Simon Calder and Natalie Wilson

Storm Bram live: Rush hour warning after 100mph winds and rain cause travel disruption

British Airways Storm Bram Simon Calder

Thousands of travellers face delays and cancellations on Tuesday as Storm Bram sweeps the UK.

The Met Office has forecast gusts up to 90mph in northwest Scotland and up to 100mm of rain in south Wales and south Devon.

Amber weather warnings have been issued for parts of southwest England, south Wales and the northwest of Scotland, with yellow warnings for wind and rain covering Northern Ireland, Northumberland and parts of northwest England.

Flights, ferry crossings, and rail journeys are all expected to see disruption, as airports ground flights, sailings are suspended, and speed restrictions apply on Scottish railway lines.

British Airways cancelled its first wave of domestic departures from London Heathrow this morning, as Belfast City grounded at least 18 departures and arrivals due to the “adverse weather conditions”.

Dublin airport has also been hit hard, with 73 flights cancelled because of strong winds, including links with Paris and Amsterdam.

KEY POINTS

  • British Airways cancels first wave of domestic departures from London Heathrow
  • Severn bridges closed to drivers
  • Speed restrictions in Scotland mean many ScotRail journeys will take longer
  • Irish Sea and Scottish ferries cancelled
  • Thousands of homes without power

Amber wind warning in Scotland

16:50 , Natalie Wilson

Storm Bram will bring “very strong and disruptive winds” to northwest Scotland on Tuesday night.

According to the Met Office, there is potential for large waves and beach material being thrown onto sea fronts, coastal roads and properties.

“Roads, bridges and railway lines may close, with delays and cancellations to bus, train, ferry services and flights.”

In pictures: Rough seas at Bournemouth beach amid Storm Bram

16:34 , Natalie Wilson
(PA Wire)
(PA Wire)

P&O Ferries cancel all sailings between Larne and Cairnryan

16:20 , Natalie Wilson

Due to Storm Bram, all sailings between Larne and Cairnryan have been cancelled by P&O Ferries.

P&O Ferries said: “Sailings are currently expected to resume from 08:00 tomorrow (10th December 2025), though delays are anticipated.”

Scottish rail services brace for worsening weather conditions

16:04 , Natalie Wilson

Storm Bram is continuing to cause chaos for train travellers in Scotland this afternoon.

ScotRail said: “Due to the impacts of #StormBram, we are expecting worsening weather conditions this afternoon. Our Service Delivery Director, Mark Ilderton, has shared an important update. Please plan ahead and check your journey before you set out.”

Parts of Devon hit with 111.5mm of rain in the last 24 hours

15:48 , Natalie Wilson

According to the Met Office, the worst of the rain has now cleared in Wales and the southwest.

The area that recorded the highest rainfall was White Barrow in Devon, with 111.5mm of rainfall in the last 24 hours.

Cornwall Winter Wonderland closed due to storm damage

15:34 , Natalie Wilson

Cornwall’s Winter Wonderland will remain closed due to “significant damage caused by Storm Bram overnight”.

The site at Pool Market wrote on Facebook: “Our dedicated team has been tirelessly battling the elements to ensure the safety of our visitors, but unfortunately, the storm has left us with unforeseen challenges.

“This situation is incredibly heartbreaking for all of us, as we’ve invested so much love, effort, and resources into creating a magical experience for you and your families. The damages incurred amount to thousands of pounds, but our priority remains the well-being and safety of everyone who visits us.”

Gusts of wind up to 90mph are expected to hit Scotland

15:16 , Natalie Wilson

The Met Office have forecast strong winds with gusts up to 90mph along the northwestern coast of Scotland on Tuesday and Wednesday.

Pictured: Strong winds hit Birmingham

14:58 , Natalie Wilson
(PA)
(Jacob King/PA Wire)
(Jacob King/PA Wire)

Severn Bridge reopened in both directions

14:44 , Natalie Wilson

Following a reduction in wind speeds, the M48 Severn Bridge is now open fully in both directions.

The Severn Bridges said: “Wind speeds will continue to be monitored closely throughout the day. Thank you for your patience.”

The Met Office has issued a

Where are there weather warnings?

14:28 , Natalie Wilson

(PA Graphics) (PA Graphics)

Met Office forecast for the rest of the week

14:14 , Natalie Wilson

According to the Met Office, Storm Bram will “slowly pull away northwards from Britain during Wednesday”.

It says: “In its wake, Wednesday will be a windy day, especially in the north, with some showers, mainly in the west, as well as some more persistent rain in the far north, at least at first.

“Thursday will be a drier day for many across the UK, with the chance of a frost for some in central and southeastern parts to start the day. It will remain very windy in the far north, with low cloud, drizzle and eventually rain moving in from the west.”

RAC tell drivers to delay non-essential trips

13:58 , Natalie Wilson

RAC breakdown spokesperson Alice Simpson said: “Storm Bram is set to batter western parts of the UK from Tuesday into Wednesday, creating treacherous conditions on many roads. Strong winds can make vehicles harder to control, so it’s best that drivers slow down and keep a firm grip on the wheel. Rural and coastal routes will feel the worst of the gusts, with fallen branches or even trees likely to cause disruption.

“We recommend drivers check local forecasts and consider delaying non-essential trips until the storm passes. Above all, it’s important not to take any chances in these conditions, as fierce winds, torrential rain and the prospect of renewed flooding are a potentially dangerous blend.”

Network Rail Scotland urges travellers to check before they travel

13:44 , Natalie Wilson

Rail services between Fort William and Mallaig will be suspended from 4pm and between Dingwall and Kyle of Lochalsh from 5pm, due to the forecast extreme winds, said Network Rail Scotland.

Speed restrictions are also in place on other routes.

Irish airports hit with delays

13:28 , Natalie Wilson

Several flights departing and arriving at airports in Ireland have been hit with delays due to Storm Bram.

Shannon airport in County Clare said in a passenger notice: “A status orange weather warning for wind issued by Met Éireann is in effect in Co. Clare until 19.00 this evening.

“Shannon Airport is fully operational, with a small number of flights experiencing some delays due to weather conditions. Passengers are advised to contact their airline for the most up-to-date flight information.”

Cork airport has similarly warned travellers to be “mindful of difficult travel conditions”.

It said: “With potential disruption to flight schedules today, passengers seeking information should refer to airline websites/mobile apps for updates.”

Disruption between Swindon and Bristol Parkway

13:14 , Natalie Wilson

Rail services between Swindon and Bristol Parkway are likely to be cancelled, delayed by up to 25 minutes or diverted until the end of the day due to severe weather, said Great Western Railway.

90-minute traffic delays approaching the M4 Prince of Wales Bridge

12:58 , Natalie Wilson

Drivers have encountered severe delays of up to 90 minutes on the M4 approaching the Prince of Wales Bridge this morning.

National Highways said: “There are severe delays approaching the M4 Prince of Wales Bridge in Gloucestershire in both directions due to emergency roadworks.”

It added: “Road users travelling to Wales may wish to follow the M5 and M50 due to the M48 Severn Bridge also being closed due to strong winds.”

Avanti West Coast warns against travel north of Preston

12:44 , Simon Calder

Avanti West Coast, which runs trains on the West Coast Main Line connecting London Euston with the West Midlands, northwest England, North Wales and southern Scotland, has issued a warning for passengers in the northern part of the network: “We strongly advise you to check before you travel on Tuesday 9 December as significant disruption is expected on the rail network, particularly north of Preston.

“The Met Office has issued weather warnings due to Storm Bram, with strong winds and heavy rain affecting large parts of the UK. As a result, we’re running a reduced timetable north of Preston, further to speed restrictions applied by Network Rail.

“Fewer trains will run, and journeys will take longer. There is then a risk of further disruption on the rail network due to this extreme weather.”

73 flights cancelled at Dublin airport

12:29 , Natalie Wilson

Storm Bram has cancelled 73 flights at Dublin airport so far today.

The airport said on X: “As of 12.00, a total of 73 flights have been cancelled by airlines, including 36 inbound and 37 outbound.

“Further disruption is possible later today as wind speeds are expected to increase.”

Scotland to shut bridges during Storm Bram winds

12:11 , Natalie Wilson

Traffic Scotland forecasts several bridge closures from around 2pm Tuesday through to Wednesday evening due to high winds.

These include Skye Bridge, Kessock Bridge, Dornoch Bridge and Cromarty Bridge.

GWR close train line due to flooding

11:55 , Natalie Wilson

Due to flooding between Par and Newquay, the line is closed, said Great Western Railway.

It added: “Train services running to and from these stations will be cancelled. Disruption is expected until the end of the day.”

Ferry services cancelled in Scotland

11:48 , Natalie Wilson

All 30 Caledonian MacBrayne ferry routes in Scotland are currently affected by “adverse weather”.

Passengers are advised to check service status before they travel.

Flooded railway lines cancel trains in North Wales

11:28 , Natalie Wilson

Heavy rain has flooded the railway between Holyhead and Bangor, disrupting all lines connecting the stations in North Wales.

Transport for Wales said: “Train services running to and from these stations may be cancelled, delayed by up to 60 minutes or revised.”

Disruption is expected to continue until 3pm.

Thousands of homes without power

11:15 , Natalie Wilson

According to the National Grid, around 3,300 properties in England and Wales are currently without power.

An alert on the National Grid website said: “Storm Bram is affecting South West England and South Wales today. Our engineers are monitoring the network and standing by to restore your power quickly if needed.”

It is unclear how many of the outages were caused directly by the storm.

Devon and Cornwall Police tell motorists to stay home

10:56 , Natalie Wilson

Devon and Cornwall Police have told motorists to “only travel if absolutely necessary” during Storm Bram.

It said on Facebook: “We're already receiving lots of calls about incidents on roads across Devon and Cornwall this morning. Please only travel if absolutely necessary; drive at an appropriate speed and allow extra distance between other vehicles.”

Links between Great Britain and Ireland hard hit

10:44 , Simon Calder

Dublin is seeing the highest number of cancellations due to Storm Bram. Around two dozen flights have been grounded at the Irish capital. Most are flights to and from Great Britain on Aer Lingus, as well as links with the key Continental hubs of Paris, Amsterdam and Munich.

British Airways cancelled its first departure from London Heathrow to Dublin and the corresponding return flight. Ryanair grounded a round-trip from Glasgow to the Irish capital. But a Ryanair flight from London Stansted to Cork diverted to Dublin due to poor weather at its intended destination.

Aer Lingus has cancelled flights connecting Cork and Shannon with London Heathrow.

Flightpath of RK901 from London Stansted to Cork, which diverted to Dublin (Simon Calder)

Met Office issues ‘danger to life’ weather warnings

10:35 , Natalie Wilson

The Met Office has issued several “danger to life” weather warnings for rain and wind in parts of Scotland, Wales and south-west England amid Storm Bram.

The forecaster said there is a potential for large waves and beach material being thrown onto sea fronts, coastal roads and properties, with flying debris posing a possible “danger to life”.

Mathilde Grandjean reports:

‘Danger to life’ weather warnings in place amid Storm Bram, Met Office warns

National Rail warns travellers to check before they travel

10:21 , Natalie Wilson

National Rail has warned travellers to “check your entire journey before you travel” as Storm Bram brings strong winds and heavy rain on Tuesday.

It added: “Heavy rain can overwhelm drainage systems, flooding tracks and slowing down trains.”

42 flights cancelled from Dublin airport

10:09 , Natalie Wilson

Strong winds have seen 42 flights cancelled to and from Dublin airport on Tuesday, with further cancellations expected as wind speeds increase.

Dublin airport said: “As always, passengers due to fly today should contact their airline directly for updates regarding the status of their flight.”

Met Office issue amber weather warning in Northern Ireland

09:59 , Natalie Wilson

The Met Office has forecast “strong and disruptive” winds up to 80mph until 7pm around coastal areas, including Ballycastle, in Northern Ireland.

Delays on M4 as Severn Bridge closed

09:35 , Natalie Wilson

Drivers face severe delays on the M4 on Tuesday morning after the M48 Severn Bridge was closed in both directions due to strong winds associated with Storm Bram.

National Highways advised drivers to “allow extra journey time” when using the diversion via the M4 Prince of Wales bridge.

Irish Sea and Scottish ferries cancelled

09:27 , Simon Calder

Between Larne in Northern Ireland and Cairnryan in Scotland, all P&O Ferries have been cancelled except the scheduled 11.59pm departures from each port – which are expected to be delayed.

Stena Line sailings from Belfast to Cairnryan at 11.30am, 3.30pm and 7.30pm have been cancelled on Tuesday, and the 11.30pm service is “in doubt”.

All Holyhead-Dublin sailings on Stena Line are cancelled apart from the late evening departure. Irish Ferries has cancelled daytime departures on the route, with later sailings possibly affected.

All Caledonian MacBrayne sailings in the Western Isles are affected, with many routes cancelled for the day.

Key cancellations include links between the mainland and Arran, Barra, the Small Isles, Islay, Coll and Tiree, as well as the service from Mallaig to Armadale on Skye.

Northlink Ferries, connecting mainland Scotland with Orkney and Shetland, warns: "Present weather forecasts indicate the possibility of disruption to our services from Tuesday 9 December through to Thursday 11 December."

Rail disruption in Scotland, Northern Ireland, Wales and England

09:25 , Simon Calder

In Scotland, speed restrictions mean many ScotRail journeys will take longer – and some may be cancelled. The key lines affected are between Glasgow Central and Carlisle (also affecting Avanti West Coast and TransPennine Express), Perth to Inverness and Aberdeen to Inverness, as well as links from Inverness to Kyle of Lochalsh and Wick. In Wales, the line between Pontypridd and Tonypandy is closed due to flooding.

Translink, which runs buses and trains in Northern Ireland, is warning: “We are experiencing some disruption and delays on our rail network.” The Enterprise link with Dublin and services from Belfast to Larne and Bangor are believed to be the worst affected. “Passengers are advised to allow additional time for their journey,” says Translink.

Separately, some Avanti West Coast intercity trains have been cancelled because of a failure in the electricity supply between London Euston and Watford Junction. Services to Birmingham, Liverpool, Manchester and Glasgow were cancelled, and the return legs are not expected to run. Rush-hour commuter services were also hit.

Air passenger rights for cancelled flights

09:04 , Simon Calder

The worst-affected UK airport for Storm Bram cancellations, though, is Belfast City. At least 18 departures and arrivals are grounded on Tuesday, most of them on Aer Lingus Regional. There are multiple cancellations to and from Birmingham and Leeds Bradford. Dublin airport is hard hit, with many flights to and from Great Britain cancelled, as well as links with Paris and Amsterdam.

In Scotland, Loganair is offering passengers booked on flights on Tuesday and Wednesday the chance to postpone their journeys. Under air passengers’ rights rules, travellers whose flights are cancelled are entitled to be flown to their destination as soon as possible on any airline, and to be provided with meals and hotels until they get there.

Storm Bram: Flights, trains and ferries cancelled across UK

British Airways cancels first wave of flights to key UK destinations

09:01 , Simon Calder

BA has grounded the first wave of departures from London Heathrow to Belfast City, Dublin, Edinburgh, Glasgow and Manchester. The corresponding inbound flights are also cancelled, affecting an estimated 1,500 passengers.

Sign up to read this article
Read news from 100’s of titles, curated specifically for you.
Already a member? Sign in here
Related Stories
Top stories on inkl right now
One subscription that gives you access to news from hundreds of sites
Already a member? Sign in here
Our Picks
In-N-Out Affected By The Viral '6-7' Trend — Officially Removes '67' From Its Menu
In-N-Out has removed menu item '67' after TikTok's viral '6-7' meme sparked chaos with teens chanting in restaurants.
International Business Times UK
International Business Times UK
Daniel Day-Lewis defends Paul Dano after Tarantino criticism
Day-Lewis, who suggested Dano for his part in There Will Be Blood, has endorsed praise of the actor following disparaging remarks by Quentin Tarantino
The Guardian - UK
The Guardian - UK
Rage bait: the psychology behind social media’s angriest posts
“Rage bait” has been named the word of the year by the Oxford University Press. It means social media content that is designed to create a strong and negative reaction.
The Conversation
The Conversation
Leonardo DiCaprio maintains his privacy by 'disappearing'
Hollywood actor Leonardo DiCaprio has maintained his privacy over the years and kept his career going by living by the rule of disappearing "as much as you possibly can".
BANG Premier
BANG Premier
Elton John’s Unexpected Oven Makeover Becomes the Design-Led Reminder We Didn’t Know We Needed for a Cleaner, Chicer Kitchen
Elton John recently shared a clip of himself scrubbing his oven clean, and it is serving as proof that oven cleaning is a frequently required task
Homes & Gardens
Homes & Gardens
‘Omg now I need to bring my own’: Florida woman checks into hotel. Then she learns the hard way what those small towels are actually for
For some travelers, the idea of sleeping in hotel rooms is a little iffy. After all, it’s a room that has probably housed hundreds or thousands or even tens of thousands of people over the years without the furniture ever changing. For most of us, it’s best not to think…
The Mary Sue
The Mary Sue
Fourteen days free
Download the app
One app. One membership.
100+ trusted global sources.
Download on the AppStore Get it on Google Play