Hurricane Ian to bring gale force winds and heavy downpours to Greater Manchester

Greater Manchester is set to experience gale force winds and heavy downpours today as a result of Hurricane Ian.

The fallout from the hurricane, which is currently wreaking havoc on Florida’s southwest coast, will be felt across the region today and tomorrow as it brings an ‘area of low pressure’ across the UK.

According to the Met Office, this morning will be mostly dry with the heavy rain and wind set to hit from around lunchtime.

The heavy rainfall is then forecast until at least 7pm this evening. 

Forecasters expect this evening to be marginally drier, though more showers are set to fall in the early hours of Saturday and into the late morning.

The Met Office says this rain should have cleared by Saturday afternoon, with the weather staying mostly dry into Sunday (October 2nd). 

Other parts of the UK will also experience the affects of Hurricane Ian, with strong winds and heavy rain on the forecast.

Deputy Chief Meteorologist at the Met Office Chris Almond said: “This will bring a much wetter and windier spell than we’ve seen so far this autumn, but nothing that is unusual for the time of year.

“The fast-moving system will bring strong gale force winds, locally in excess of 60mph, and heavy rain into the northwest before pushing quickly southeast through the day.

“We could see some minor impacts such as surface water flooding or minor wind damage, as well as some short-lived impacts on ferry crossings, especially in exposed areas of western Scotland and eastern areas of Northern Ireland.

“Later in the day, parts of southeast England could experience winds of around 55mph, which may impact the English Channel too.”

At least ten people have died in what has been called Florida’s ‘deadliest hurricane in history’. Hurricane Ian is now moving inland and heading towards North and South Carolina.