Gusts of up to 95mph are expected in the Channel Islands, while southern England faces gusts of 70-80mph and heavy rainfall. The Met Office has issued yellow and amber warnings, and there are 33 flood warnings across England.
The storm has already led to school closures, flight cancellations, and ferry crossing disruptions. The UK has recorded one of its wettest Octobers, with Scotland experiencing its wettest October since records began in 1836.
Storm Ciarán is driven by explosive cyclogenesis, where low pressure rapidly deepens, leading to violent weather patterns. The amber wind warnings could result in structural damage, including roof damage, downed powerlines, and transport disruptions. Debris and large waves pose additional risks to life.
This storm follows recent weather-related incidents, and while a warming atmosphere may increase the likelihood of such events, attributing them to climate change requires further analysis. Nonetheless, global temperatures have already risen by 1.1°C since the industrial era began, with continued warming without significant emissions reductions.