Storm Lilian prompts Heathrow cancellations ahead of 'busiest day of the year'

The arrival of Storm Lilian has prompted yellow Met Office warnings for wind and rain across the north of England, which took effect at 5am and will remain in place until 11am.

A separate yellow warning for rain covering eastern areas of Scotland around Aberdeen came into effect at 9pm on Thursday (22 August) and ceased at 9am on Friday.

“An area of strong winds associated with Storm Lilian is expected to move east across northern England during Friday morning,” said the Met Office.

“While there remains some uncertainty about the details, some very strong winds are likely to develop, with gusts widely in the 50mph to 60mph range, with a lower chance that a small core of winds gusting 65mp to 75mph, perhaps 80mph, could push quickly east during the morning.”

The weather comes on what is expected to be the busiest day for UK air departures, with 3,243 scheduled.

Across the bank holiday weekend, 12,302 services are scheduled to depart British airports, with Heathrow set to wave off the largest number.