Storm Ciara lashed the UK last weekend, bringing much of the country to a standstill. Forecasters are predicting Storm Dennis, who is due to hit this weekend, could earn its place in the modern record books.

The Environment Agency has warned about the flood impact of Storm Dennis this weekend.

John Curtin, the agency’s executive director of flood and coastal risk management, said Cumbria, Lancashire and Yorkshire were the areas he was most “concerned” about.

He said: “This (storm) could be a step up from what we have seen before.

“We had a big storm last weekend, (we now have) saturated catchments, snowmelt and rainfall, so it is a perfect storm.”

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Will Storm Dennis be worse than Storm Ciara?

According to BBC Weather, Storm Dennis could be one of the deepest Atlantic low pressure systems ever recorded.

The weather service tweeted on February 14: “#StormDennis could become one of the deepest Atlantic low pressure systems in modern records

“Now developing in the north Atlantic, it’s about to undergo a period of explosive cyclogenesis – the central pressure forecast to drop 50-60mb in 24 hours to around 917mb (record 914mb)”.

Explosive cyclogenesis happens when an extratropical cyclonic low-pressure area rapidly deepens.

However earlier this week, the Met Office forecast Storm Dennis would not be as severe as Storm Ciara, which in some places blasted the UK with 97mph winds.

Paul Gundersen, Chief Meteorologist at the Met Office said: “Another spell of very wet and windy ​weather is expected for Saturday.

“Although Storm Dennis is currently not expected to be as severe as Ciara, disruption is still likely.

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“Our confidence in the forecast means we have been able to issue severe weather warnings well in advance, giving people time to prepare for potential impacts of the storm.

“With further warnings possible over the next few days people should keep up to date with the Met Office forecast using our website, app or by following us on social media.”

Storm Dennis is expected to bring winds of up to 70mph in coastal regions.

In some regions, Dennis is also expected to bring up to 5.5 inches (140mm) of rain.

Where are the Met Office weather warnings?

A yellow wind warning has been issued between 10am on Saturday until 12pm on Sunday for England and Wales, with the Met Office warning “disruption to travel” is likely.

Between 12pm on Saturday until 9pm on Sunday, a yellow rain warning is in place for much of northern England, Wales and southern England.

Much of Scotland is also covered by a rain and wind warning between 7am and 8pm on Saturday.

Highlands and Eilean Siar is also under a yellow wind warning between 6am and 12pm on Saturday.

A number of amber rain warnings have also been issued across the country on Saturday.

Between 12pm on Saturday until 3pm on Sunday, amber warnings have been issued for areas in north west England, south west England, Wales and Yorkshire and the Humber.

An amber warning for rain has also been issued in SW Scotland, Lothian Borders, between 12pm and 11pm on Saturday.

Further warnings are in place on Sunday, so keep up to date with the latest Met Office forecast for more information.

The Environment Agency has also issued more than 100 flood warnings and alerts in anticipation of Dennis’ arrival.

You can check HERE for the latest flood warnings and alerts. 

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