Named by the Danish Meteorological Institute (DMI), Storm Otto is inevitably approaching the shores of the UK. According to The Met Office, the storm is expected to move towards the East from the Atlantic Ocean and reach the North of Scotland in the early hours of Friday (February 17) morning with gusts of 75 mph.
Amber warnings have been issued across Northern UK, with most of Scotland and some Northern England cities such as Manchester and Newcastle. Locals are being urged to check their local weather reports as they could be updated as Storm Otto progresses.
Met Office Chief Meteorologist Andy Page said: “Storm Otto will bring high winds and rain to the UK, with some northern parts of Scotland and the northeast of England likely to get the strongest gusts of wind, possibly in excess of 75mph. Warnings have been issued and could be updated as Storm Otto develops.”
Those living on the East coast could see large waves battering the shores of the North Sea, and some damage to buildings and infrastructure is also a possibility.
Andy Page continued: “There’s a chance of travel disruption and high-sided vehicles could be particularly prone to disrupted plans in this set-up. There’s associated rain with Storm Otto, with 40-50 mm of rain likely to fall over parts of western Scotland.”
What is more, the stormy weather will then continue onto Denmark in the afternoon, with even more severe weather, which is the reason why DMI got to name the storm Otto.
What will the weather during the weekend be like?
Storm Otto is expected to pass the UK by Friday night, so your weekend plans should be able to go ahead as usual. However, periods of rain are going to continue throughout the weekend, so make sure to bring your umbrellas out.
Remember to stay safe out there by planning travel ahead of time, protecting your property such as bins, garden furniture and sheds and staying indoors as much as possible.