Update: 01.11.2023
England and the Channel Islands were hit by a new storm yesterday, with adverse effects forecast to impact the region through 3 November.
The UK's Met Office issued yellow and amber warnings for Storm Ciarán, as it expects strong winds to cause travel disruption, damage to buildings and flying debris.
In addition, flood warnings have been issued in areas of southern and eastern England as well as yellow rain warnings for the East of England for Wednesday and Thursday, reports the BBC.
On 31 October, Felixstowe Port issued a weather warning to inform stakeholders that it will be "unable to service hauliers throughout Thursday, [2 November]." It added, "Booking availability for all Thursday has been removed and pre-allocated bookings will be returned."
Furthermore, Liverpool Port announced it expects high winds to impact its operations over the next 72 hours, with partial and possible full stops. "Empty Parks at T1 & T2 and the Depot will be impacted from today and most definitely Thursday and Friday," added the port.
Similarly, London Gateway is expecting adverse weather conditions this evening and throughout tomorrow. In a new advisory, the port highlighted, "We anticipate certain operational challenges, including the potential for pilot stations to go offline. In such cases, vessels may either be directed to an alternative pilot station or experience delays in their arrival."
According to Crisis24, "the worst of the severe weather is expected over Northern Ireland, Brittany, Wales, and southern England" on 1 and 2 November. Interrupted operations at the Irish ports of Dublin and Cork are also expected during this period.
Original article: 20.10.2023
The UK government issued a flood alert after Storm Babet brought heavy rainfall to Upper River Swale, located in the north of England.
Local news also highlighted that Scotland Police issued a "rare" red weather warning due to severe weather conditions.
According to Kuehne+Nagel sources, the storm is expected to affect port operations north of the UK. The situation at the ports is currently as follows:
- Seaforth - High winds impacting the port over the next 12 hours with partial and possible full stops expected
- Grangemouth - All operations are currently suspended due to high winds
- Forth Ports - All operations are currently suspended due to high winds
- Liverpool - partial and possible full stops are likely due to high winds. Empty Parks at T1 & T2 and the Depot are now on operational stop
The ports of Felixstowe, Southhampton and London Gateway are currently operational, but weather warnings are in place as wind speeds increase.
The UK government forecast heavy rainfall to continue throughout Friday, 20 October. Scotland's Deputy First Minister Shona Robison said, "Storm Babet is still in its early stages, and the worst impacts are yet to come."
