Batten down the hatches: UK braces for worst storm in 25 years

Sunday, October 27, 2013, 4:13 PM -

The worst storm in several years hit parts of the U.K. on Sunday, bringing heavy rain, hurricane-force gusts and the expectation of widespread flooding and transport disruption. 

As winds picked up and Britain prepared for the storm -- dubbed St. Jude and #Stormageddon on social networks -- major sports events such as a regular NFL game in London between the San Francisco 49ers and Jacksonville Jaguars at Wembley Stadium kicked off regardless. 

Prime Minister David Cameron told government agencies to ensure that contingency plans are made for transportation, schools and power supplies during the storm, which could have gusts stronger 128 km/h -- akin to those in hurricanes (due to Britain's geographic location, it does not get hurricanes). 

The storm is expected to track over the North Sea by Monday afternoon. 

Britain's Met Office said it could cause widespread and severe disruption from falling trees, power cuts and flooding. 

Martin Young, the Met Office's chief forecaster, said that while the storm is "major'' for the U.K., its winds are not expected to be as strong as those seen in the "Great Storm of 1987", which saw gusts of 185 km/h and left 18 people dead.

Once the so-called St. Jude storm -- named after the patron saint of lost causes -- passes through Britain, it is expected to hit parts of the Nordics Monday afternoon. 

The Danish Meteorological Institute and The Swedish Meteorological and Hydrological Institute have also issued warnings ahead of the storm. 

With files from The Associated Press

VISIT OUR UK SITE! Theweathernetwork.co.uk has launched! We're breathing new life into the UK weather market. Visit our newest website today!