Storm Bram, the second named storm of the 2025/26 season, tore across northern and western Britain on Tuesday, unleashing gusts of up to 90mph and torrential rain that threatened to dump half a month’s rainfall in just 24 hours.

The Met Office issued amber warnings for flooding and severe winds, describing the conditions as posing a “danger to life.”

Named by Ireland’s Met Éireann, the deep Atlantic low-pressure system swept into the UK with a punishing mix of wind and water. Northwest Scotland, Wales, southwest England, and Northern Ireland bore the brunt, with forecasters warning of debris, toppled trees, and damage to buildings.

Sky News meteorologist Dr. Christopher England cautioned that “one falling branch in the wrong place” could prove deadly, while coastal areas faced waves smashing seafronts and inland communities braced for power cuts and road closures.

Amber rain alerts were in force for south Wales and southwest England, where up to 100mm of rain was expected on high ground—equivalent to half of December’s average. With soils already saturated from autumn downpours, flood risks were amplified, prompting over 75 flood alerts and 13 warnings across England and Wales.

Transport networks buckled under the strain. Rail services were suspended in Scotland and Wales, ferries canceled crossings, flights were delayed at Glasgow and Cardiff airports, and roads such as the A9 in the Highlands were closed due to fallen trees. Emergency teams deployed temporary flood barriers in Dorset and Somerset, while the public was urged to secure loose items, avoid unnecessary travel, and prepare emergency kits.

Storm Bram is expected to ease as it moves north on Wednesday, though lingering winds in northern England and further low-pressure systems through mid-December promise continued unsettled weather. The storm follows October’s Storm Amy, underscoring a turbulent start to winter and raising questions about climate-driven intensity.