Storm Eleanor is battering Manchester with strong winds and torrential rain

If you’ve stepped outside in past few hours, you’ll have noticed that we’re being battered by high speed gales and torrential rain.

A yellow weather warning has been issued for Manchester as Storm Eleanor shows no signs of letting up.

Thousands of homes across the country have been left without power and buildings have been badly damaged in severe winds. Forecasters have warned of a ‘danger to life’ from flying debris.

The Met Office have warned of public transport disruption, power cuts and even phone outages, stating:

“Power cuts and disruption to other services (mobile phones for example) may also occur, while injuries from flying debris are possible.”

The strongest #winds will transfer from west to east through this afternoon. Take care out there #weatheraware pic.twitter.com/pQ43aqrJ3n

— Met Office (@metoffice) January 4, 2018

Vince Crane of the AA has advised drivers to take extra care in the worsening conditions.

“Road conditions can quickly deteriorate during very heavy rainfall, with drains becoming swamped or blocked and standing water causing surface spray, reduced visibility and potentially leading to flooding.”

We’re experiencing a phenomenon known as a ‘weather bomb’ which is a period of a few hours where the weather will deteriorate with devastating effect, having the potential to tear down trees as well as cause significant damage to buildings and other structures.

#StormEleanor has officially been named by @MetEireann. Eleanor will track across parts of Ireland Tuesday Evening but will then bring strong winds across parts of the UK through into Wednesday pic.twitter.com/m8zYKu1YDd

— Met Office (@metoffice) January 1, 2018

So, before you head out, check the Met Office website for the latest weather warnings, double check you’re not parking near flimsy structures or large trees, reduce your speed and don’t put yourself in danger by taking “storm selfies”.

Wrap up warm, get yourself a good quality umbrella and stay safe out there.

And take that short cut through Boots and the Arndale to get across the city centre. The one reserved for the worst weather.