Flights from Heathrow have been cancelled as the Met Office weather warning came into force on Saturday
Flights have been cancelled and pilots forced to make daring landings in windy conditions as Storm Dave causes chaos across the UK.
Flights from Heathrow to Dublin have been cancelled as the powerful storm battered Ireland before moving east to pummel the UK.
The Met Office has issued an amber weather warning for wind for parts of northern England, Scotland and Wales on Saturday evening, with forecasters warning of flying debris possibly leading to “injuries or danger to life”.
Meanwhile footage shared online showed a passenger plane coming in at a forty-five degree angle to the runway in order to counteract the gale force winds at Dublin Airport. Flights at the airport were cancelled earlier, as were flights from the UK Irish airports including Dublin and Cork as the Easter storm caused havoc with travel.
The Met Office’s forecast said: “Storm Dave will continue to deepen as it moves north-eastwards. Heavy rain and snow will also bring some disruption.”
Gusts of wind of up to 66mph have been recorded in Capel Curig, north Wales, according to the forecaster.
Meanwhile, the Energy Networks Association (ENA) – which represents electricity network operators – has warned of potential power cuts and issued safety advice following the weather warnings.
It said in a statement on Saturday: “The storm has the potential to affect local power infrastructure, increasing the risk of a power cut and fallen power lines.
“Network operators are increasing staffing for operational teams, and moving spare equipment to where the weather is expected to be most disruptive, so it’s ready to use if needed.”
The ENA shared advice for how to prepare for the severe weather, including to keep a torch ready and to boil water and keep it in a Thermos in case the power goes out.
The statement added: “You can call 105 for free in England, Scotland and Wales to report power cuts and receive updates. Remember, during power cuts, modern internet-powered landlines and mobile masts might not work.
“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.
“Make sure your neighbours are okay, especially if they’re elderly or vulnerable.”
Up to 30 centimetres of snow could fall, as the Met Office has issued a yellow severe weather warning in Scotland for heavy snow and blizzards causing some travel and power disruption.
Greg Dewhurst, a Met Office meteorologist, said: “There is cold air across Scotland at the moment and, as the rain pushes across this afternoon, it is going to turn to snow.
“We’ll see heavy snow forming across parts of the Highlands as we go through the rest of the afternoon into the evening time and early hours, as much as 20 to 30 centimetres could fall over the higher ground, and five to 10 centimetres over lower ground.”
Those driving in the areas covered by the weather warning have been urged to check their journeys before setting off.
Network Rail Scotland said the worst affected lines would be on the Ayrshire coast, the East Coast Main Line and in the north-east.
