View source for 2015–16 UK and Ireland windstorm season

{{Short description|Windstorm season in the British Isles}}
{{Use dmy dates|date=June 2021}}
{{Infobox windstorm season
| first storm formed       = 12 November 2015
| last storm dissipated    = 28 March 2016
| strongest storm          = Frank — {{convert|928|hPa|inHg|abbr=on}}
| strongest wind gust      = {{convert|106|mph|km/h kn|abbr=on}} [[The Needles Old Battery]], United Kingdom. (28 March)
| total storms             = 11
| total damage             = ≥ £3.657 billion (≥ €4.047 billion)
| total fatalities         = 7
| prevseason               = [[2013–2014 Atlantic winter storms in Europe|2013–2014]] (Europe)
| nextseason               = [[2016–17 UK and Ireland windstorm season|2016–17]]
}}
The '''2015–16 UK and Ireland windstorm season''' was the first instance of the United Kingdom's [[Met Office]] and Ireland's [[Met Éireann]] naming [[extratropical cyclones]]. The season started on 10 November with the naming of [[Storm Abigail]] and ended on 28 March with the dissipation of Storm Katie. With a total of eleven named storms, the 2015–16 season is the most active to date.
Storms are named when they are forecast to cause hazards due to high winds by either organisation. The season is most notable for the amount of rainfall which fell over the UK and Ireland, causing the [[2015–16 Great Britain and Ireland floods]]; most of which is attributed to [[Storm Desmond|Storms Desmond]], [[Storm Eva|Eva]] and [[Storm Frank|Frank]]. The strongest low-level gusts of the season came from storms Gertrude and Katie. On 29 January, Gertrude produced gusts of {{convert|105|mph|km/h kn|abbr=on}} at [[Lerwick]], [[Shetland Islands]] while Katie produced a gust of {{convert|106|mph|km/h kn|abbr=on}} on 28 March at [[The Needles Old Battery]], [[Isle of Wight]].
The season preceded the [[2016–17 UK and Ireland windstorm season]].
==Background==
{{main|Winter storm naming in the United Kingdom and Ireland}}
[[File:Nameourstorms-names.jpg|thumb|400px|right|Storm names]]
Earlier in 2015, the Met Office and Met Éireann announced a pilot project to name wind storms and asked the public for suggestions.<ref name=Met_Eireann /> The full list of names for 2015, common to both the UK and Ireland, chosen for future selection are:<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-34578310|title=Nigel and Steve among new storm names|work=[[BBC News]]|access-date=10 November 2015|date=20 October 2015}}</ref>
{{div col}}
* [[Storm Abigail|Abigail]] (12–13 November 2015)
* Barney (17–18 November 2015)
* Clodagh (29 November 2015)
* [[Storm Desmond|Desmond]] (4–6 December 2015)
* [[Storm Eva|Eva]] (23–24 December 2015)
* Frank (29–30 December 2015)
* Gertrude (29 January 2016)
* Henry (1–2 February 2016)
* Imogen (7–8 February 2016)
* Jake (2 March 2016)
* Katie (28 March 2016)
* {{tcname unused|Lawrence}}
* {{tcname unused|Mary}}
* {{tcname unused|Nigel}}
* {{tcname unused|Orla}}
* {{tcname unused|Phil}}
* {{tcname unused|Rhonda}}
* {{tcname unused|Steve}}
* {{tcname unused|Tegan}}
* {{tcname unused|Vernon}}
* {{tcname unused|Wendy}}
{{div col end}}
A storm will be named when it is deemed able to have a "substantial" impact on the UK or Ireland. They will be taken from the list, in alphabetical order, alternating between male and female names – the [[Tropical cyclone naming|same naming convention]] used by the United States for tropical cyclones. In the case of storms resulting from ex-tropical storms and hurricanes, the original name allocated by the US [[National Hurricane Center]] will be used. Met Éireann name any storm which triggers a status orange or red weather warning for wind.<ref name=Met_Eireann /> The basis for such as outlined on their weather warning service are mean wind speeds in excess of {{cvt|80|km/h|mph kn}} or gusts over {{cvt|130|km/h|mph kn}}.<ref>{{cite web|title=Met Éireann Weather Warning System Explained|url=http://www.met.ie/nationalwarnings/warnings-explained.asp|publisher=Met Éireann|access-date=2 January 2016}}</ref> Similarly, the Met Office name storms that have the potential to cause medium (orange) or high (red) impacts to the UK. It describes the wind strength relative to observations such as "falling trees or tiles and other items like garden furniture being blown around."<ref>{{cite AV media |date=25 January 2016 | title= When would we name a storm? |medium= Video |url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6uE7l6UkPFM |access-date= 29 January 2016 |publisher= The Met Office}}</ref>
==Seasonal summary==
Comparison of strongest gusts associated with each storm in the UK and Ireland.
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barset:Hurricane width:10 align:left fontsize:S shift:(4,-4) anchor:till
from:10/11/2015 till:13/11/2015 color:5 text:"[[Storm Abigail|Abigail]]"
from:17/11/2015 till:20/11/2015 color:5 text:"Barney"
from:28/11/2015 till:03/12/2015 color:5 text:"Clodagh"
from:04/12/2015 till:06/12/2015 color:5 text:"[[Storm Desmond|Desmond]]"
from:22/12/2015 till:24/12/2015 color:5 text:"[[Storm Eva|Eva]]"
from:28/12/2015 till:03/01/2016 color:5 text:"Frank"
barset:break
from:28/01/2016 till:05/02/2016 color:5 text:"Gertrude"
from:30/01/2016 till:02/02/2016 color:5 text:"Henry"
from:06/02/2016 till:08/02/2016 color:5 text:"Imogen"
from:01/03/2016 till:02/03/2016 color:5 text:"Jake"
from:25/03/2016 till:28/03/2016 color:5 text:"Katie"
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bar:Month width:5 align:center fontsize:S shift:(0,-20) anchor:middle color:canvas
from:01/11/2015 till:30/11/2015 text:November
from:01/12/2015 till:31/12/2015 text:December
from:01/01/2016 till:31/01/2016 text:January
from:01/02/2016 till:29/02/2016 text:February
from:01/03/2016 till:31/03/2016 text:March
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<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.metoffice.gov.uk/uk-storm-centre/storm-abigail|title=Storm Abigail|work=Met Office|access-date=17 November 2015|archive-date=18 November 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151118040118/http://www.metoffice.gov.uk/uk-storm-centre/storm-abigail|url-status=dead}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.metoffice.gov.uk/uk-storm-centre/storm-barney|title=Storm Barney|work=Met Office|access-date=10 December 2015|archive-date=22 November 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151122000037/http://www.metoffice.gov.uk/uk-storm-centre/storm-barney|url-status=dead}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.metoffice.gov.uk/uk-storm-centre/storm-clodagh|title=Storm Clodagh|work=Met Office|access-date=1 December 2015|archive-date=8 December 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151208141127/http://www.metoffice.gov.uk/uk-storm-centre/storm-clodagh|url-status=dead}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.metoffice.gov.uk/uk-storm-centre/storm-desmond|title=Storm Desmond|work=Met Office|access-date=4 December 2015|archive-date=8 December 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151208111030/http://www.metoffice.gov.uk/uk-storm-centre/storm-desmond|url-status=dead}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.metoffice.gov.uk/uk-storm-centre/storm-eva|title=Storm Eva|work=Met Office|access-date=23 December 2015|archive-date=24 December 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151224052951/http://www.metoffice.gov.uk/uk-storm-centre/storm-eva|url-status=dead}}</ref>
==Storms==
===Storm Abigail===
{{Infobox windstorm small
| name          = Abigail
| track         = Abigail 2015 track.png
| image         = Abigail Nov 12 2015 1155Z.jpg
| caption       = [[MODIS]] image of Abigail on 12 November 2015
| duration      = 12–13 November<ref name="stormcentre">{{cite web|publisher=The Met Office|date=8 January 2016|access-date=13 January 2016|title=UK Storm Centre|url=http://www.metoffice.gov.uk/uk-storm-centre|archive-date=3 October 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161003175919/http://www.metoffice.gov.uk/uk-storm-centre|url-status=dead}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|title=Climatology and Observations Division Twitter page|url=https://twitter.com/METclimate/status/671715240309035008|publisher=Met Éireann|work=Climatology and Observations Division|access-date=14 January 2016}}</ref>
| gust          = {{convert|84|mph|km/h kn|abbr=on}}<br /> ([[South Uist]], [[Outer Hebrides]])<ref>{{cite web|publisher=[[Met Office]]|date=16 November 2015|access-date=17 November 2015|title=UK Storm Centre: Abigail|url=http://www.metoffice.gov.uk/uk-storm-centre/storm-abigail|archive-date=18 November 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151118040118/http://www.metoffice.gov.uk/uk-storm-centre/storm-abigail|url-status=dead}}</ref>
| minpressure   = {{convert|964|hPa|inHg|abbr=on}}<ref name="East Atlantic Surface Analysis 00Z 13 November 2015">{{cite web|author=Ocean Prediction Center|publisher=NOAA|year=2015|access-date=17 November 2015|title=East Atlantic Surface Analysis 00Z 13 November 2015|url=http://nomads.ncdc.noaa.gov/ncep-charts/hires/20151113/atle.sfcanal.00.2015111302.gif}}{{Dead link|date=November 2018 |bot=InternetArchiveBot |fix-attempted=yes }}</ref>
| fatalities    = 0
| power outages = 20,000<ref name="BBC coverage of Storm Abigail">{{cite web|work=BBC News|date=13 November 2015|access-date=16 November 2015|title=Storm Abigail: All power supplies 'to be restored overnight'|url=https://www.bbc.com/news/uk-scotland-highlands-islands-34794583}}</ref>
| damages       = Unknown
}}
{{main|Storm Abigail}}
Abigail was the first storm to be officially named (jointly) by the Met Office and Met Éireann on 10 November 2015.<ref name=Met_Eireann>{{cite web|title=Met Éireann and the UK Met Office release list of winter storm names|url=http://www.met.ie/news/display.asp?ID=353|publisher=[[Met Éireann]]|access-date=13 November 2015|date=10–13 November 2015}}</ref><ref name=Met_Office>{{cite web|url=http://www.metoffice.gov.uk/news/releases/archive/2015/storm-Abigail|title=Met Office officially names Abigail as first storm|publisher=Met Office|access-date=10 November 2015|date=10–12 November 2015}}</ref> The [[Free University of Berlin]] named the cyclone Frank.<ref>{{cite news|title=Analysis|url=http://www.met.fu-berlin.de/de/wetter/maps/Prognose_20151111.gif|access-date=28 November 2015|publisher=Free University of Berlin|date=11 November 2015}}</ref> A Met Office yellow warning for wind was issues to all of Scotland on 11 November; with amber warnings for the Western Isles, north west Highlands, parts of Argyll and Orkney.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-scotland-highlands-islands-34786322|title=Storm Abigail: Weather warning upgraded to amber|work=BBC News|access-date=11 November 2015|date=11 November 2015}}</ref> Initial forecasts on 12 November from a Chief Meteorologist at the Met Office warned of wind gusts widely reaching {{convert|60|and|80|to|90|mph|km/h kn|abbr=on}} in exposed locations.<ref name=Met_Office /> The [[Scottish Environment Protection Agency]] also warned of the risk of flooding due to the storm, as the weather system was anticipated to create a [[storm surge]] along the south-west and west coast, due to coincidence with a [[Tide#Characteristics|high tide]].<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.scotsman.com/news/transport/schools-shut-ferries-cancelled-by-storm-abigail-1-3946243|title=Schools shut, ferries cancelled by Storm Abigail|newspaper=The Scotsman|access-date=12 November 2015|date=12–14 November 2015|author=Alastair Dalton}}</ref>
Abigail brought high winds, rain, lightning, and wintry showers across the north and northwest of Scotland.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-scotland-highlands-islands-34777673|title=Storm Abigail: First of Met Office's named storms to batter Scotland|work=BBC News|access-date=10 November 2015|date=10 November 2015}}</ref> On 12 November, local ferries were affected by bad weather with many services cancelled. It was announced that every school in the Western Isles and [[Shetland]] were to be closed to pupils on 13 November.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-scotland-highlands-islands-34794583|title=Storm Abigail: Schools to be closed and ferries cancelled|work=BBC News|access-date=13 November 2015|date=13 November 2015}}</ref> The storm left more than 20,000 homes without power, according to energy company [[SSE plc|SSE]].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://news.ssepd.co.uk/news/all-articles/2015/11/storm-abigail-afternoon-update/|title=Storm Abigail latest|publisher=[[SSE plc]]|access-date=14 November 2015|date=13 November 2015|archive-date=17 November 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151117023302/http://news.ssepd.co.uk/news/all-articles/2015/11/storm-abigail-afternoon-update/|url-status=dead}}</ref>
{{clear}}
===Storm Barney===
{{Infobox windstorm small
| name          = Barney
| track         = Barney 2015 track.png
| image         = Barney Nov 17 2015 1215Z.jpg
| caption       = MODIS image of Barney on 17 November 2015
| duration      = 17–18 November<ref name=stormcentre/><ref>{{cite web|title=Climatology and Observations Division Twitter page|url=https://twitter.com/METclimate/status/671715337205862400|publisher=Met Éireann|work=Climatology and Observations Division|access-date=14 January 2016}}</ref>
| gust          = {{convert|85|mph|km/h kn|abbr=on}} ([[Aberdaron]], [[Gwynedd]])<ref>{{cite web|url=http://blog.metoffice.gov.uk/2015/11/18/storm-barney-highest-wind-speeds/|title=Storm Barney highest wind speeds|publisher=Met Office|date=18 November 2015|access-date=18 November 2015}}</ref>
| minpressure   = {{convert|980|hPa|inHg|abbr=on}}<ref name="East Atlantic Surface Analysis 12Z 17 November 2015">{{cite web|author=Ocean Prediction Center|publisher=NOAA|year=2015|access-date=17 November 2015|title=East Atlantic Surface Analysis 12Z 17 November 2015|url=http://nomads.ncdc.noaa.gov/ncep-charts/hires/20151117/atle.sfcanal.12.2015111714.gif}}{{Dead link|date=December 2018 |bot=InternetArchiveBot |fix-attempted=yes }}</ref>
| fatalities    = 0
| power outages = 26,000<ref name="BBC News">{{cite web|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-34834799|title=Storm Barney: Thousands still without power after 85mph winds|work=BBC News|access-date=18 November 2015|date=18 November 2015}}</ref>
| damage        = ≥ £179 million (≥ €198 million)<ref name="thoughtleadership.aonbenfield.com">{{cite web|url=http://thoughtleadership.aon.com/Documents/20151208-if-november-global-recap.pdf|title=Global Catastrophe Recap - November 2015|publisher=Aon Benfield Inc.|date=}}</ref>
}}
A yellow warning for wind was issued by the Met Office for [[Wales]], along with southern, central and eastern England, with gusts of {{convert|70|to|80|mph|km/h kn|abbr=on}} expected on 17 November.<ref name="Storm Barney">{{cite web|title=Storm Barney|url=http://www.metoffice.gov.uk/news/releases/archive/2015/wind-storm-barney|publisher=Met Office|access-date=16 November 2015|date=16–17 November 2015}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|title=Barney Warning|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-34834799|work=BBC News|access-date=16 November 2015|date=16–18 November 2015}}</ref>
It affected Ireland, Wales, southern and eastern England and the [[The Midlands|Midlands]], where thousands of homes lost power and rail services were disrupted.<ref name="BBC News"/><ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-europe-34854894|title=Republic of Ireland: 15,000 homes still without power after storms|work=BBC News|access-date=18 November 2015|date=18 November 2015}}</ref> The storm was named Heini by the Free University of Berlin adopt-a-vortex scheme.<ref>{{cite news|title=Analysis|url=http://www.met.fu-berlin.de/de/wetter/maps/Analyse_20151116.gif|access-date=28 November 2015|publisher=Free University of Berlin|date=16 November 2015}}</ref>
{{clear}}
===Storm Clodagh===
{{Infobox windstorm small
| name          = Clodagh
| track         = Clodagh 2015 track.png
| image         = Clodagh Nov 30 2015.png
| caption       = MODIS image of Clodagh on 30 November
| duration      = 29 November<ref name=stormcentre/><ref>{{cite web|title=Climatology and Observations Division Twitter page|url=https://twitter.com/METclimate/status/671715442612764672|publisher=Met Éireann|work=Climatology and Observations Division|access-date=14 January 2016}}</ref>
| power outages = 16,000
| minpressure   = {{convert|968|hPa|inHg|abbr=on}}<ref name="Met Office Analysis Chart for 06Z November 30, 2015">{{cite web|author=Met Office|publisher=Met Office|year=2015|access-date=30 November 2015|title=Met Office Analysis Chart for 06Z November 30, 2015|url=http://www2.wetter3.de/Archiv/UKMet/15113006_UKMet_Analyse.gif}}</ref>
| gust          = {{convert|97|mph|km/h kn|abbr=on}}<br />([[High Bradfield]], [[South Yorkshire]])<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.metoffice.gov.uk/climate/uk/summaries/2015/november|title=November 2015|work=Met Office}}</ref>
| damage        = ≥ £8 million (≥ €9 million)<ref name="thoughtleadership.aonbenfield.com"/>
| fatalities    = 0
}}
The Met Office issued a statement on 26 November saying that despite a prediction of windy weather in the coming days, the weather system was unlikely to become a named storm. On 28 November, Met Éireann upgraded its warnings and named the storm Clodagh.<ref>{{cite news|title=Windy this weekend, but Storm Clodagh looks unlikely|url=http://blog.metoffice.gov.uk/2015/11/26/windy-but-storm-clodagh-looks-unlikely-this-weekend/|access-date=28 November 2015|publisher=Met Office|date=28 November 2015}}</ref> The [[Danish Meteorological Institute]] christened the low as Gorm on the same evening.<ref>{{cite news|author=Marianne Brandt|title=Stormen hedder Gorm|url=http://www.dmi.dk/nyheder/arkiv/nyheder-2015/11/stormen-hedder-gorm/|access-date=28 November 2015|publisher=Danish Meteorological Institute|date=28 November 2015|language=da|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151202050301/http://www.dmi.dk/nyheder/arkiv/nyheder-2015/11/stormen-hedder-gorm/|archive-date=2 December 2015|url-status=dead}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|title=Grusomme Gorm blev til orkan: Brager gennem Sjælland|url=http://ekstrabladet.dk/nyheder/samfund/vejret/grusomme-gorm-blev-til-orkan-brager-gennem-sjaelland/5850080|access-date=29 November 2015|publisher=Ekstrabladet|date=29 November 2015|language=da}}</ref> The Free University of Berlin named the low Nils II.
In the UK and Ireland, Clodagh's impact was most severe in Ireland and North West England. In the Republic of Ireland 6,000 people were left without power.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.irishtimes.com/news/environment/storm-clodagh-brings-power-cuts-and-difficult-road-conditions-1.2447737|title=Storm Clodagh brings power cuts and difficult road conditions|date=29 November 2015|newspaper=The Irish Times}}</ref> In Northwest England 10,000 customers were without power.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.enwl.co.uk/news-and-press/latest-news/2015/11/29/29-11-15-severe-weather-engineers-working-to-restore-power-%2818-30-update%29|title=29/11/15: Severe weather: Engineers working to restore power (18:30 update)|access-date=2015-12-07|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160121211134/http://www.enwl.co.uk/news-and-press/latest-news/2015/11/29/29-11-15-severe-weather-engineers-working-to-restore-power-(18-30-update)|archive-date=2016-01-21|url-status=dead}}</ref> It also caused disruption to transport in the [[Northern England|North of England]] and Scotland.<ref name="ukmo_clodagh">{{cite web|title=Storm Clodagh|url=http://www.metoffice.gov.uk/uk-storm-centre/storm-clodagh|publisher=Met Office|date=30 November 2015|access-date=1 December 2015|archive-date=8 December 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151208141127/http://www.metoffice.gov.uk/uk-storm-centre/storm-clodagh|url-status=dead}}</ref>
{{clear}}
===Storm Desmond===
{{main|Storm Desmond}}
{{Infobox windstorm small
| name          = Desmond
| track         = Desmond 2015 track.png
| image         = Desmond Dec 5, 2015.png
| caption       = MODIS image of Desmond on 5 December
| duration      = 4–6 December<ref name=stormcentre/><ref>{{cite web|title=Climatology and Observations Division Twitter page|url=https://twitter.com/METclimate/status/673903095445913600|publisher=Met Éireann|work=Climatology and Observations Division|access-date=14 January 2016}}</ref>
| gust          = {{convert|81|mph|km/h kn|abbr=on}}<br /> ([[Capel Curig]], [[Conwy County Borough|Conwy]])<ref>{{cite news|publisher=Met Office|date=6 December 2015|access-date=6 December 2015|title=Wind and rain records for Storm Desmond|url=http://blog.metoffice.gov.uk/2015/12/06/wind-and-rain-records-for-storm-desmond/}}</ref><ref name="auto">{{cite news|last1=Erdman|first1=Jon|title=Storm Desmond Lashes U.K., Ireland With Flooding, Winds Over 100 MPH; Taps Caribbean Moisture|url=http://www.weather.com/news/news/storm-desmond-uk-ireland-scotland-december-2015|access-date=6 December 2015|publisher=Weather.com|date=6 December 2015}}</ref>
| minpressure   = {{convert|939|hPa|inHg|abbr=on}}<ref name="East Atlantic Surface Analysis 00Z 5 December 2015">{{cite web|author=Ocean Prediction Center|publisher=NOAA|year=2015|access-date=30 December 2015|title=East Atlantic Surface Analysis 00Z 5 December 2015|url=http://nomads.ncdc.noaa.gov/ncep-charts/hires/20151205/atle.sfcanal.00.2015120504.gif}}{{Dead link|date=December 2018 |bot=InternetArchiveBot |fix-attempted=yes }}</ref>
| fatalities    = 3<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/weather/12036576/Storm-Desmond-UK-weather-Monday-live.html|title=Storm Desmond: Met Office warns of more heavy rain and gale-force winds as clean-up continues|date=8 December 2015|work=Telegraph.co.uk}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.belfasttelegraph.co.uk/news/tyrone-showband-era-star-ivan-swept-to-his-death-in-storm-desmond-floodwaters-34267995.html|title=Tyrone showband era star Ivan swept to his death in Storm Desmond floodwaters|work=BelfastTelegraph.co.uk}}</ref>
| power outages = 46,300<ref name="willmetcalfe">{{cite web|url=http://www.chroniclelive.co.uk/news/north-east-news/storm-desmond-hits-north-east-10553359|title=Storm Desmond hits North East RECAP: Corbridge homes evacuated and 70mph winds batter region|author=Will Metcalfe|date=5 December 2015|work=nechronicle|access-date=6 December 2015}}</ref><ref name="CL-Desmond">{{cite web|url=http://www.chroniclelive.co.uk/news/north-east-news/storm-desmond-hits-north-east-10553359|title=Corbridge homes evacuated and 70mph winds batter region|date=5 December 2015|access-date=5 December 2015|author=Daniel Milligan|publisher=ChronicleLive}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-wales-35014818|title=Storm Desmond hits UK|work=BBC News|date=5 December 2015|access-date=5 December 2015}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.irishtimes.com/news/environment/storm-desmond-floods-power-outages-and-travel-issues-across-ireland-1.2456003|newspaper=[[The Irish Times]] | date          = 5 December 2015 | access-date   = 5 December 2015 | title         = Floods, power outages and travel issues across Ireland}}</ref>
| damage        = ≥ £870 million (≥ €970 million)<ref name="ReferenceA">{{cite web | url           = http://thoughtleadership.aon.com/Documents/20160106-if-december-global-recap.pdf | title         = Global Catastrophe Recap - December 2015 | publisher     = Aon Benfield Inc.}}</ref>
}}
Desmond was the fourth storm to be officially named, with heavy rain and severe gales forecast for 5–6 December across Ireland and the north of the UK.<ref>{{cite news|title=Storm Desmond|url=http://www.metoffice.gov.uk/uk-storm-centre/storm-desmond|access-date=4 December 2015|publisher=Met Office|date=4 December 2015|archive-date=8 December 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151208111030/http://www.metoffice.gov.uk/uk-storm-centre/storm-desmond|url-status=dead}}</ref> On 4 December, the Met Office issued yellow warnings for wind and rain across most of the north of the UK and an amber warning for rain in parts of central and southern Scotland, [[Tayside]] and [[Fife]]<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.bbc.com/news/uk-scotland-south-scotland-35007372|title=Storm Desmond to bring heavy rain and strong winds|date=4 December 2015|access-date=4 December 2015|work=BBC News}}</ref> Met Éireann issued a status red rainfall warning for areas of [[Connacht]], as well as counties [[County Donegal|Donegal]], [[County Clare|Clare]] and [[County Kerry|Kerry]], with [[Clare County Council]] issuing a flood warning.<ref>{{cite news|title=Status Red warning as Storm Desmond approaches|url=http://www.rte.ie/news/2015/1204/751237-weather/|access-date=4 December 2015|publisher=[[RTÉ News and Current Affairs|RTÉ News]]|date=4 December 2015}}</ref>
On 5 December, the Met Office issued a red severe weather warning for rain in [[Cumbria]].<ref>{{cite news|last1=Dutton|first1=Liam|title=Cumbria floods: when will the rain stop?|url=http://blogs.channel4.com/liam-dutton-on-weather/cumbria-floods-rain-stop/9422|access-date=5 December 2015|publisher=Channel 4 News|date=5 December 2015}}</ref> The [[Environment Agency]] had severe flood warnings in place for parts of the [[River Tyne]] in [[Northumberland]] and across Cumbria.<ref>{{cite news|title=Storm Desmond results in a red severe weather warning for rain in Cumbria|url=http://www.metoffice.gov.uk/news/releases/archive/2015/storm-desmond-red-warning|access-date=5 December 2015|publisher=Met Office|date=5 December 2015}}</ref>
The expected heavy rainfall was considered to be an extreme weather event by the [[Norwegian Meteorological Institute]], who named it Synne.<ref>{{cite news|title=Fase C: Ekstremværet Synne er i gang |url=http://www.met.no/Fase+C%3A+Ekstremv%C3%A6ret+Synne+er+i+gang.b7C_xdrW4s.ips |access-date=5 December 2015 |date=4 December 2015 |publisher=Norwegian Meteorological Institute |language=no }}{{dead link|date=June 2017 |bot=InternetArchiveBot |fix-attempted=yes }}</ref> The US [[National Weather Service]] [[Ocean Prediction Center]] tweeted that the heavy rain was due to Desmond pulling a plume of moist air across the Atlantic Ocean to Western Europe, a weather phenomenon known as an [[atmospheric river]].<ref>{{Cite tweet |user=NWSOPC |number=673164464687071233|date=5 December 2015 |title=CIRA layered PW helps visualize #AtmosphericRiver; easy to see AR stretching from the Caribbean to Ireland/UK! #GRPG |access-date=5 December 2015}}</ref>
Approximately 1,000 people were evacuated from their homes in [[Hawick]], [[Scottish Borders]] on 5 December, because the [[River Teviot]] flooded. [[Appleby-in-Westmorland|Appleby]] and [[Keswick, Cumbria|Keswick]] in the English county of [[Cumbria]] suffered blocked roads and some homes were evacuated; Cumbria Police declared the situation a "major incident". Homes left without electricity occurred in North Yorkshire (over 600) and in Wales (about 700); a further 2,000 people were without power in the Republic of Ireland. Landslides and flooding closed some main roads in Scotland and counties [[County Down|Down]] and [[County Tyrone|Tyrone]] suffered road closures from fallen trees.<ref>{{cite news|title=Storm Desmond brings flooding and disruption to parts of UK|url=https://www.bbc.com/news/uk-35014745|access-date=5 December 2015|work=[[BBC News]]|date=5 December 2015}}</ref>
{{clear}}
===Storm Eva===
{{main|Storm Eva}}
{{Infobox windstorm small
| name          = Eva
| track         = Eva 2015 track.png
| image         = Eva 23 December 2015.png
| caption       = MODIS image of Eva on 23 December 2015
| duration      = 23–24 December<ref name=stormcentre/><ref>{{cite web|title=Climatology and Observations Division Twitter page|url=https://twitter.com/METclimate/status/685524409554235392|publisher=Met Éireann|work=Climatology and Observations Division|access-date=14 January 2016}}</ref>
| gust          = {{convert|84|mph|km/h kn|abbr=on}}<br /> ([[Belmullet]], [[County Mayo]])<ref>{{cite web|url=https://twitter.com/METclimate/status/685524409554235392|title=#StormEva|publisher=Met Eiriann|work=Climatology and Observations Division|date=8 January 2016|access-date=8 January 2016}}</ref>
| minpressure   = {{convert|964|hPa|inHg|abbr=on}}<ref name="East Atlantic Surface Analysis 12Z 24 December 2015">{{cite web|author=Ocean Prediction Center|publisher=NOAA|year=2015|access-date=5 January 2016|title=East Atlantic Surface Analysis 12Z 24 December 2015|url=http://nomads.ncdc.noaa.gov/ncep-charts/hires/20151224/atle.sfcanal.12.2015122414.gif}}{{Dead link|date=December 2018 |bot=InternetArchiveBot |fix-attempted=yes }}</ref>
| power outages = 3,000<ref name="itv.com">{{cite web|url=http://www.itv.com/news/calendar/update/2015-12-26/floods-latest-boxing-day-power-cuts-for-thousands-in-yorkshire/|title=Floods latest: Boxing Day power cuts for thousands in Yorkshire|work=ITV News}}</ref>
| damage        = ≥ £2.0 billion (≥ €2.2 billion)<ref name="ReferenceA"/>
| fatalities    = 0
}}
Eva was the fifth storm to be officially named by Met Éireann on 22 December 2015, with an orange wind warning being issued for counties Clare, Galway, Mayo, Sligo and Donegal. Gales were also expected in the northwest of the UK, with storm force winds over parts of the Outer Hebrides.<ref name=UKMO>{{cite news|title=Storm Eva|url=http://www.metoffice.gov.uk/uk-storm-centre/storm-eva|access-date=23 December 2015|publisher=Met Office|date=22 December 2015|archive-date=24 December 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151224052951/http://www.metoffice.gov.uk/uk-storm-centre/storm-eva|url-status=dead}}</ref> There were fears that the storm could cause further disruption to [[Cumbria]] in England, where areas were already dealing with the aftermath of flooding from Storm Desmond and in some cases had been flooded twice already.<ref>{{cite news|title=Storm Eva brings fresh flooding fears for Cumbria|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-cumbria-35166747|access-date=23 December 2015|work=BBC News|date=23 December 2015}}</ref> The army and Environment Agency staff were called in to be on stand-by to bolster flood defences.<ref name="ITV News 2015">{{cite web | title=Storm Eva: Cumbrians braced for further flood misery | website=ITV News | date=24 December 2015 | url=http://www.itv.com/news/2015-12-24/storm-eva-cumbrians-braced-for-further-flood-misery/ | access-date=10 January 2016}}</ref>
Rain associated with the passage of Eva caused further disruption when rivers burst their banks in the Cumbrian towns of [[Appleby-in-Westmorland|Appleby]], [[Keswick, Cumbria|Keswick]] and [[Kendal, Cumbria|Kendal]] on 22 December, with Appleby receiving three to four feet of flood water.<ref name="Perring 2015">{{cite web | last=Perring | first=Rebecca | title=Army on standby for flooding crisis as shock FIVE INCHES of rain to come with Storm Eva | website=Express.co.uk | date=24 December 2015 | url=http://www.express.co.uk/news/weather/629238/Storm-Eva-flooding-Christmas-weather-rain-armed-forces | access-date=10 January 2016}}</ref><ref name="BBC Eva">{{cite web | title=Storm Eva brings fresh flooding fears for Cumbria | website=BBC News | date=23 December 2015 | url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-cumbria-35166747 | access-date=24 December 2015}}</ref> The village of [[Glenridding]] was badly flooded for the third time in the month.<ref name="Glover Eva">{{cite web | last=Glover | first=Mike | title=Further flooding worsens troubles for Cumbrian towns hit by Storm Desmond | website=The Guardian | date=22 December 2015 | url=https://www.theguardian.com/uk-news/2015/dec/22/further-flooding-cumbria-storm-desmond | access-date=24 December 2015}}</ref> 6000 houses in Ireland were left without power.<ref name="RTÉ.ie 2015">{{cite web | title=Over 6,000 without power as Storm Eva hits | website=RTÉ.ie | date=24 December 2015 | url=http://www.rte.ie/news/2015/1223/755824-storm-eva-warnings/ | access-date=10 January 2016}}</ref> [[Liz Truss]] convened a [[Cabinet Office Briefing Room|COBRA]] meeting to decide on emergency measures, which included the deployment of soldiers from the 2nd Battalion, Duke of Lancaster's Regiment<ref name="Isle of Man Today 2015">{{cite web|title=Flood warnings as Britain is braced for torrential Boxing Day rain |website=Isle of Man Today |date=29 December 2015 |url=http://www.iomtoday.co.im/news/flood-warnings-as-britain-is-braced-for-torrential-boxing-day-rain-1-7643218 |access-date=10 January 2016 }}{{dead link|date=June 2017 |bot=InternetArchiveBot |fix-attempted=yes }}</ref> to the affected areas.<ref name="BBC News Cobra 2015">{{cite web | title=Storm Eva brings fresh flooding fears for Cumbria | website=BBC News | date=23 December 2015 | url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-cumbria-35166747 | access-date=10 January 2016}}</ref><ref name="The Independent 2015">{{cite web | title=Flooded Cumbrian families are facing further misery on Christmas Day | website=The Independent | date=23 December 2015 | url=https://www.independent.co.uk/news/uk/home-news/storm-eva-flooded-cumbrian-families-face-prospect-of-christmas-day-washout-a6784926.html |archive-url=https://ghostarchive.org/archive/20220501/https://www.independent.co.uk/news/uk/home-news/storm-eva-flooded-cumbrian-families-face-prospect-of-christmas-day-washout-a6784926.html |archive-date=1 May 2022 |url-access=subscription |url-status=live | access-date=10 January 2016}}{{cbignore}}</ref> On 24 December, flood defence gates were closed in Carlisle, Keswick and Cockermouth to limit the damage of rainfall and 20 water pumps and two kilometres of temporary flood barriers were transported to northern England.<ref name="Bradford Telegraph and Argus">{{cite web | title=Storm poses Christmas Day flooding threat for thousands of homes | website=Bradford Telegraph and Argus | url=http://www.thetelegraphandargus.co.uk/news/national/14164928.Storm_poses_Christmas_Day_flooding_threat_for_thousands_of_homes/ | access-date=10 January 2016}}</ref> Ferries operating between Dublin and Holyhead were cancelled due to bad weather on the Irish Sea.{{citation needed|date=March 2020}}
The media widely reported Storm Eva as being responsible for the flooding which occurred in Lancashire and Yorkshire on 25–27 December 2015. However, communications from the Met Office indicated that Eva's only direct impact on the UK was strong winds and a band of rain during 23–24 December 2015. By 26 December Storm Eva was located over the far north of Norway. The persistent heavy rain from 25 to 27 December was caused by a subsequent slow moving depression and frontal zone.<ref name="Met Office surface pressure chart">{{cite web|title=Surface pressure chart 0000 UTC 26 December 2015 |website=Met Office |date=26 December 2015 |url=http://www.metoffice.gov.uk/media/image/6/c/Surface_Pressure_Chart_261215.gif |access-date=7 January 2016 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160304053207/http://www.metoffice.gov.uk/media/image/6/c/Surface_Pressure_Chart_261215.gif |archive-date=4 March 2016 }}</ref><ref name="Met Office Eva">{{cite web | title=Storm Eva | website=Met Office | date=23 December 2015 | url=http://www.metoffice.gov.uk/uk-storm-centre/storm-eva | access-date=7 January 2016 | archive-date=24 December 2015 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151224052951/http://www.metoffice.gov.uk/uk-storm-centre/storm-eva | url-status=dead }}</ref><ref name="Met Office December statistics">{{cite web | title=Records smashed during mild, wet December | website=Met Office | date=31 December 2015 | url=http://www.metoffice.gov.uk/news/releases/archive/2015/early-dec-stats | access-date=7 January 2016}}</ref> Despite red warnings for rain being issued by the Met Office on 26 December 2015, no name was given to this depression since there were no warnings issued for wind.
{{clear}}
===Storm Frank===
{{Infobox windstorm small
| name          = Frank
| track         = Frank 2015 track.png
| image         = Frank 29 December 2015.png
| caption       = MODIS image of Frank on 29 December 2015
| duration      = 29–30 December<ref name=stormcentre/><ref>{{cite web|title=Climatology and Observations Division Twitter page|url=https://twitter.com/METclimate/status/686966494455042049|publisher=Met Éireann|work=Climatology and Observations Division|access-date=14 January 2016}}</ref>
| gust          = {{convert|85|mph|km/h kn|abbr=on}}<br /> (South Uist, Outer Hebrides)<ref name=ukmofrank>{{cite web|title=Storm Frank|url=http://www.metoffice.gov.uk/uk-storm-centre/storm-frank|publisher=The Met Office|date=30 December 2015|access-date=31 December 2015|archive-date=4 March 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160304034455/http://www.metoffice.gov.uk/uk-storm-centre/storm-frank|url-status=dead}}</ref>
| minpressure   = {{convert|928|hPa|inHg|abbr=on}}<ref name="East Atlantic Surface Analysis 06Z 30 December 2015">{{cite web|author=Ocean Prediction Center|publisher=NOAA|year=2015|access-date=5 January 2016|title=East Atlantic Surface Analysis 06Z 30 December 2015|url=http://nomads.ncdc.noaa.gov/ncep-charts/hires/20151230/atle.sfcanal.06.2015123008.gif}}{{Dead link|date=December 2018 |bot=InternetArchiveBot |fix-attempted=yes }}</ref>
| fatalities    = 3
| power outages = 27,900<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-35196493|title=Homes evacuated and power cuts as Storm Frank hits UK|work=BBC News|date=31 December 2015|access-date=2 January 2016}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.bbc.com/news/uk-northern-ireland-35197453|title=Storm Frank: NI hit by floods, power cuts and travel disruption|work=BBC News|date=31 December 2015|access-date=2 January 2016}}</ref>
| damage        = ≥ £280 million (≥ €310 million)<ref name="ReferenceA"/>
}}
Frank was the sixth storm to be officially named by the Met Office on 28 December 2015, and brought severe gales to western parts of the UK as well as persistent, heavy rainfall. It caused some disruption over Northern Ireland, west and southwest Scotland, northwest England and Wales on 30 December. Amber 'be prepared' rainfall warnings, meaning "danger to life," had been issued because of severe flooding reported in England and Scotland.<ref>{{cite news|title=Storm Frank to bring another spell of wet and windy weather|url=http://www.metoffice.gov.uk/news/releases/archive/2015/storm-frank|access-date=28 December 2015|publisher=Met Office|date=28 December 2015}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|title=Widespread flood warnings as UK braces for Storm Frank|url=https://www.theguardian.com/uk-news/2015/dec/29/storm-frank-widespread-flood-warnings-uk-weather|access-date=31 December 2015|work=The Guardian|date=29 December 2015}}</ref>
In Scotland, Frank caused floods in the towns of [[Dumfries]], [[Peebles]] and [[Ballater]] flooded by the rivers [[River Nith|Nith]], [[River Tweed|Tweed]] and [[River Dee, Aberdeenshire|Dee]].<ref>{{cite news|title=After Storm Frank, Scotland rallies to fix itself amid the chaos|url=https://www.theguardian.com/uk-news/2016/jan/01/after-storm-frank-scotland-rallies-to-fix-itself-amid-the-chaos|access-date=2 January 2016|work=The Guardian|date=1 January 2016}}</ref>
The storm claimed three casualties across [[Cornwall]], [[Moray]] and the [[Scottish Highlands|Highlands]].<ref>{{cite news|title=Storm Frank: second man dies in Scotland|url=https://www.theguardian.com/uk-news/2016/jan/01/storm-frank-second-man-dies-in-scotland|access-date=2 January 2016|work=The Guardian|date=1 January 2016}}</ref>
The Free University of Berlin named the storm Eckard.<ref>{{cite news|title=Analysis|url=http://www.met.fu-berlin.de/de/wetter/maps/Analyse_20151229.gif|access-date=29 December 2015|publisher=Free University of Berlin|date=29 December 2015}}</ref>
{{clear}}
===Storm Gertrude===
{{Infobox windstorm small
| name          = Gertrude
| track         = Gertrude 2016 track.png
| image         = Gertrude 29 January 2016.png
| caption       = MODIS image of Gertrude on 29 January 2016
| duration      = 29 January<ref name="stormcentre"/>
| gust          = {{convert|105|mph|km/h kn|abbr=on}}<br /> ([[Lerwick]], [[Shetland Islands]])<ref name=bbcgertrude/>
| minpressure   = {{convert|948|hPa|inHg|abbr=on}}
| fatalities    = 0
| power outages = 10,000<ref name=bbcgertrude>{{cite news|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-35436955|title=Storm Gertrude: Gales cause chaos across parts of UK|work=BBC News|date=29 January 2016|access-date=29 January 2016}}</ref>
| damage        = ≥ £80 million (≥ €90 million)<ref>{{cite web|url=http://thoughtleadership.aon.com/Documents/20160209-ab-analytics-if-january-global-recap.pdf|title=Global Catastrophe Recap - January 2016|publisher=Aon Benfield Inc.}}</ref>
}}
On 28 January, the Met Office released news of the seventh named storm, Gertrude. In the release, they forecast a deepening area of low pressure to pass close to the north of Scotland on the night of 29 January, accompanied by a powerful jet stream from the Atlantic. It was anticipated that Scotland and Northern England would experience gales or severe gales ({{cvt|60|-|70|mph|km/h kn|disp=sqbr}} widely; possible {{cvt|80|mph|km/h kn|disp=sqbr}}) with the Northern Isles "likely" to reach storm force winds (widely {{cvt|70|-|80|mph|km/h kn|disp=sqbr}}, occasionally {{cvt|90|mph|km/h kn|disp=sqbr}}). They warned of impacts to transport, power supplies and structural damage. The extent of amber severe weather warnings spread across the Northern Isles, western and southern Scotland and the "far north" of England and Northern Ireland. The winds for the early morning of 29 January were forecast to widely reach {{cvt|60|-|70|mph|km/h kn}} and perhaps {{cvt|80|mph|km/h kn}} in places. The Met Office noted other hazards such as large waves on western coasts and surface water from heavy rain during the morning.<ref name=Gertrude>{{cite news|url=http://www.metoffice.gov.uk/news/releases/archive/2016/Storm-Gertrude|title=Storm Gertrude to bring strong winds to northern Britain|publisher=The Met Office|date=28 January 2016|access-date=29 January 2016}}</ref>
Winds were expected to strengthen and create the risk of blizzard conditions, especially over high ground in the north of Scotland. The Chief Operational Meteorologist said: "There remains some uncertainty over the exact track and intensity of the storm", however there was "higher confidence now" on the forecast of very strong winds and storm force winds in the Northern Isles. Press releases from [[Transport NI]] and Scotland's Transport Minister, [[Derek Mackay]], reaffirmed the risk of strong winds and advised people to take care during the course of the storm.<ref name=Gertrude/> At 09:03 on 29 January, the Met Office upgraded the warning to red over the [[Shetland Islands]] (between 12:00 and 16:00), with gusts of around {{cvt|100|mph|km/h kn}} expected and warned of very large waves.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.metoffice.gov.uk/public/weather/warnings/#?tab=warnings&regionName=os&fcTime=1454043600|title=Warnings in place for the region: Orkney & Shetland|publisher=Met Office|date=29 January 2016|access-date=29 January 2016}}</ref>
Gertrude caused the closures or restrictions on some bridges ([[Erskine Bridge]], [[Tay Road Bridge]], [[Forth Road Bridge]] and [[Severn Bridge]]) during the storm. On 29 January, 10% of [[Abellio ScotRail]] services were cancelled. There were also power cuts across Scotland and Northern Ireland.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.bbc.com/news/uk-35436955|title=Storm Gertrude: Gales cause chaos across parts of UK|work=BBC News|date=29 January 2016|access-date=29 January 2016}}</ref>
{{clear}}
=== Storm Henry ===
{{Infobox windstorm small
| name          = Henry
| image         = Storm Henry 2016-02-01.jpg
| caption       = Satellite photo of Henry to the north-west on 1 February
| area affected = <!--List the areas affected by this storm. Leave blank or remove if season article's geographical area is small-->
| duration      = 1–2 February
| gust          = {{convert|90|mph|km/h kn|abbr=on}}<br /> South Uist, Outer Hebrides<ref name="metofficestormshenry">{{cite tweet |user=metofficestorms |number=694441985659293696 |date= 2 February 2016 |title=Selected peak wind gusts from #StormHenry (mph): S Uist 90, Benbecula 85, Malin Head 81, Salsburgh 78, Skye 77, Loftus 75, Glasgow 67}}</ref>
| minpressure   = {{convert|944|hPa|inHg|abbr=on}}
| fatalities    = 0
| power outages = 3,000<ref name="bbchenry">{{cite news|title=Rush hour travel warning as Storm Henry hits Scotland|url=https://www.bbc.com/news/uk-scotland-35467524|access-date=2 February 2016|work=BBC News|date=2 February 2016}}</ref>
| damage        = ≥ £80 million (≥ €90 million)<ref name="ReferenceB">{{cite web|url=http://thoughtleadership.aon.com/Documents/20160308-ab-analytics-if-february-global-recap.pdf|title=Global Catastrophe Recap - February 2016|publisher=Aon Benfield Inc.}}</ref>
}}
On 30 January, the Met Office released news about the eighth named storm of the season, Henry. It was forecast to bring heavy rain and very strong gusts of wind across Scotland, northern England and northern Wales on 1–2 February, particularly into the night of 1 February. It was anticipated to bring gales across north Wales and north England, and severe gales across Scotland, most notably in the western isles, which was expected to bring gusts of up to {{cvt|90|mph|km/h kn}}, resulting in amber wind warnings being issued. Localised flooding, transport disruption and issues with power supplies were expected, along with storm large waves being an additional concern.<ref>{{cite news|last1=Turner|first1=Camilla|title=UK weather: Storm Henry to batter Britain, Met Office warns|url=https://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/weather/12131479/Storm-Henry-to-batter-Britain-Met-Office-warns.html|access-date=30 January 2016|publisher=The Telegraph|date=30 January 2016}}</ref>
{{clear}}
=== Storm Imogen ===
{{Infobox windstorm small
| name          = Imogen
| image         = Imogen 7 February 2016.png
| caption       = MODIS image of Imogen on 7 February 2016
| area affected = <!--List the areas affected by this storm. Leave blank or remove if season article's geographical area is small-->
| duration      = 7–8 February<ref name=stormcentre/>
| gust          = {{convert|96|mph|km/h kn|abbr=on}}<br /> [[The Needles Old Battery]], [[Isle of Wight]]<ref name="ukmoimogen">{{cite web|title=Storm Imogen|access-date=8 February 2016|url=http://www.metoffice.gov.uk/uk-storm-centre/storm-imogen|publisher=Met Office|archive-date=8 February 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160208213256/http://www.metoffice.gov.uk/uk-storm-centre/storm-imogen|url-status=dead}}</ref>
| minpressure   = {{convert|962|hPa|inHg|abbr=on}}
| fatalities    = 0
| power outages = 19,000<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.bbc.com/news/uk-35516741|title=Storm Imogen leaves homes without power across England and Wales|work=BBC News|date=8 February 2016|access-date=8 February 2016}}</ref>
| damage        = ≥ £80 million (≥ €90 million)<ref name="ReferenceB"/>
}}
On 6 February [[Met Éireann]] issued an amber warning for strong winds and named Storm Imogen.<ref name="metofficeimogen">{{cite tweet |user=metoffice |number=696070186772738048 |date= 6 February 2016 |title=#StormImogen has just been named by our partners @MetEireann and will move across the UK during the course of Monday}}</ref> At this stage the [[Met Office]] had issued a yellow warning for strong winds in south-west England and South Wales. On 7 February, the [[Met Office]] yellow warning area was enlarged and an amber warning added for winds across south-western England of {{cvt|60|-|70|mph|km/h kn}} and locally {{cvt|80|mph|km/h kn}} on 8 February. They warned of the risk to trees, structures, interruption of power supplies and transport, especially the M4 and M5 motorways.<ref>{{cite news|title=Met Office names the UK's next storm|url=http://www.metoffice.gov.uk/news/releases/archive/2016/storm-imogen|publisher=The Met Office|access-date=7 February 2016}}</ref> On 8 February Storm Imogen brought trees down, produced large coastal waves, caused power cuts and toppled high-sided vehicles across southern England and Wales.<ref>{{cite news|title=Power being restored after Storm Imogen hits England and Wales|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-35516741|publisher=BBC|access-date=1 April 2016}}</ref>
{{clear}}
=== Storm Jake ===
{{Infobox windstorm small
| name          = Jake
| image         = Jake 2 March 2016.png
| caption       = MODIS image of Jake on 2 March 2016
| area affected = <!--List the areas affected by this storm. Leave blank or remove if season article's geographical area is small-->
| duration      = 2 March
| gust          = {{convert|83|mph|km/h kn|abbr=on}}, Mace Head
| minpressure   = {{convert|989|hPa|inHg|abbr=on}}
| fatalities    = 0
| power outages = 8,240
| damage        = Unknown
}}
Jake was named by [[Met Éireann]] on 1 March based on an amber warning of strong winds for counties Galway, Mayo, Clare, Cork, Kerry and Limerick. Strong winds were experienced in much of the Republic of Ireland and also Wales and south-west England on 2 March. There were power cuts and trees blown down in parts of Wales.<ref>{{cite news|title=Storm Jake: Wind causes fallen trees and power cuts|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-wales-35707038|publisher=BBC|access-date=1 April 2016}}</ref> Disruption was also experienced in parts of south-west England.<ref>{{cite news|title=STORM JAKE: Bad day to be a tree, hailstorm havoc, bin day blues at Southway|url=http://www.plymouthherald.co.uk/Live-coverage-Storm-Jake-Plymouth-Devon-Cornwall/story-28843900-detail/story.html|publisher=Plymouth Herald|access-date=1 April 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160304225102/http://www.plymouthherald.co.uk/Live-coverage-Storm-Jake-Plymouth-Devon-Cornwall/story-28843900-detail/story.html|archive-date=2016-03-04|url-status=dead}}</ref>
{{clear}}
=== Storm Katie ===
{{Infobox windstorm small
| name          = Katie
| image         = StormKatieIR.PNG
| caption       = IR image of Storm Katie developing to the SW of England on 28 March 2016
| area affected = <!--List the areas affected by this storm. Leave blank or remove if season article's geographical area is small-->
| duration      = 28 March
| gust          = {{convert|106|mph|km/h kn|abbr=on}} <br /> [[The Needles Old Battery]], [[Isle of Wight]]<ref name="ukmokatie">{{cite web |title=Storm Katie | date=28 March 2016| access-date=29 March 2016|url=http://blog.metoffice.gov.uk/2016/03/28/what-katie-did-a-review-of-easter-mondays-storm-katie/|publisher=Met Office}}</ref>
| minpressure   = <!--{{convert|-|hPa|inHg|abbr=on}}--> 971 hPa (28.67 inHg)
| fatalities    = 1<ref name="ReferenceC">{{cite web|url=http://thoughtleadership.aon.com/Documents/20160406-ab-analytics-if-march-global-recap.pdf|title=Global Catastrophe Recap - March 2016|publisher=Aon Benfield Inc.}}</ref>
| power outages = 100,000
| damage        = ≥ £80 million (≥ €90 million)<ref name="ReferenceC"/>
}}
Katie, the eleventh storm of the season, was named by the [[Met Office]] on Good Friday, 25 March.<ref>{{cite news|title=Storm Katie to arrive on Easter Monday|url=http://www.metoffice.gov.uk/news/releases/2016/storm-katie|publisher=Met Office|access-date=1 April 2016}}</ref><ref>{{cite journal|last1=Ramsdale|first1=Steven|last2=Kelly|first2=Jason|title="Storm Katie"- Rapid cyclogenesis and damaging winds of Easter Monday 2016|journal=Weather|date=April 2018|volume=73|issue=4|pages=103–109|doi=10.1002/wea.2986|bibcode=2018Wthr...73..103R|s2cid=126085776 }}</ref> During the first half of Easter Monday, 28 March strong winds were experienced widely across southern England with coastal gusts of {{cvt|70|-|80|mph|km/h kn}} and inland gusts of {{cvt|50|-|70|mph|km/h kn}} in many places. The peak gust of {{cvt|106|mph|km/h kn}} was recorded at the exposed site of [[The Needles Old Battery]]. Impacts were widespread across southern England including trees felled, wall, fence and roof damage, scaffolding collapses, bridge closures, flights, ferries and train cancellations and power outages.<ref>{{cite news|title=Storm Katie: Flights cancelled and property damaged|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-35909651|publisher=BBC|access-date=1 April 2016}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|title=Storm Katie: High winds cause damage across London|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-35910002|publisher=BBC|access-date=1 April 2016}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|title=Storm Katie round-up|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/live/uk-35909871|publisher=BBC|access-date=1 April 2016}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|title=Your pictures: Storm Katie destruction across the UK|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/in-pictures-35910151|publisher=BBC|access-date=1 April 2016}}</ref><ref>{{cite journal|last1=Ramsdale|first1=Steven|last2=Kelly|first2=Jason|title=Storm Katie – Rapid cyclogenesis and damaging winds of Easter Monday 2016|journal=Weather|date=22 September 2017|volume=73|issue=4|pages=103–109|doi=10.1002/wea.2986|bibcode=2018Wthr...73..103R|s2cid=126085776 }}</ref>
{{clear}}
== Season effects ==
This table lists all known windstorms that affected the UK and Ireland during 2015–2016. It includes their name, duration, peak recorded gust (excluding mountain stations), lowest pressure, areas affected, deaths, and damage totals from the two nations. All damage figures are in 2015&nbsp;pounds sterling and euros. The season's first half was more notable for rainfall and [[2015 Great Britain and Ireland floods|flooding]], similar to that seen during the [[2013–2014 Atlantic winter storms in Europe]], which brought the [[2013–2014 United Kingdom winter floods]].
{| class="wikitable sortable"
|-
! Storm !! Dates active !! Highest wind gust !! Lowest pressure !! Casualties !! Damages
|-
| [[Storm Abigail|Abigail]] || {{Sort|01|7 – 15&nbsp;November}} || {{cvt|84|mph|km/h kn|sortable=on}} || {{cvt|964|hPa|inHg|sortable=on}} || {{nts|0}} || {{Sort|7|Unknown}}
|-
| Barney || {{Sort|02|16 – 18&nbsp;November}} || {{cvt|85|mph|km/h kn|sortable=on}} || {{cvt|980|hPa|inHg|sortable=on}} || {{nts|0}} || {{Sort|4|≥ £179 million (≥ €198 million)}}
|-
| Clodagh || {{Sort|03|26 – 30&nbsp;November}} || {{cvt|97|mph|km/h kn|sortable=on}} || {{cvt|968|hPa|inHg|sortable=on}} || {{nts|0}} || {{Sort|6|≥ £8 million (≥ €9 million)}}
|-
| [[Storm Desmond|Desmond]] || {{Sort|04|3 – 8&nbsp;December}} || {{cvt|81|mph|km/h kn|sortable=on}} || {{cvt|939|hPa|inHg|sortable=on}} || {{nts|3}} || {{Sort|2|≥ £870 million (≥ €970 million)}}
|-
| [[Storm Eva|Eva]] || {{Sort|05|22 – 25&nbsp;December}} ||  {{cvt|84|mph|km/h kn|sortable=on}}  || {{cvt|964|hPa|inHg|sortable=on}} || {{nts|0}} || {{Sort|1|≥ £2.0 billion (≥ €2.2 billion)}}
|-
| Frank || {{Sort|04|28 – 31&nbsp;December}} ||  {{cvt|85|mph|km/h kn|sortable=on}}  || {{cvt|928|hPa|inHg|sortable=on}} || {{nts|3}} || {{Sort|3|≥ £280 million (≥ €310 million)}}
|-
| Gertrude || {{Sort|07|29 January}} ||  {{cvt|105|mph|km/h kn|sortable=on}}  || {{cvt|948|hPa|inHg|sortable=on}} || {{nts|0}} || {{Sort|5|≥ £80 million (≥ €90 million)}}
|-
| Henry || {{Sort|08|1 – 2 February}} ||  {{cvt|90|mph|km/h kn|sortable=on}}  || {{cvt|944|hPa|inHg|sortable=on}} || {{nts|0}} || {{Sort|5|≥ £80 million (≥ €90 million)}}
|-
| Imogen || {{Sort|09|8 February}} ||  {{cvt|96|mph|km/h kn|sortable=on}}  || {{cvt|962.6|hPa|inHg|sortable=on}} || {{nts|0}} || {{Sort|5|≥ £80 million (≥ €90 million)}}
|-
| Jake || {{Sort|10|1 – 4&nbsp;March}} ||  {{cvt|83|mph|km/h kn|sortable=on}}  || {{cvt|988.9|hPa|inHg|sortable=on}} || {{nts|0}} || {{Sort|7|Unknown}}
|-
| Katie || {{Sort|11|25 – 28&nbsp;March}} ||  {{cvt|106|mph|km/h kn|sortable=on}}  || {{cvt|971.0|hPa|inHg|sortable=on}} || {{nts|1}} || {{Sort|5|≥ £80 million (≥ €90 million)}}
|- class="sortbottom"
!colspan=9 style="text-align:center"|Season Aggregates
|- class="sortbottom" style="background:#f0f0f0;font-weight:bold"
| 11&nbsp;windstorms || 7&nbsp;November – 28&nbsp;March || {{cvt|106|mph|km/h kn}} || {{cvt|928|hPa|inHg}} ||style="text-align:center"| 7 ||style="text-align:center"| ≥ £3.657 billion (≥ €4.047 billion)
|}
==Storms named by other European meteorological services==
{| class="wikitable collapsible innercollapse collapsed"
! 2015–16 Named storms table.
|-
|
*Unnamed (FUB), Roar (Nor), Valio (Fin), 3–4 October.
*Binrasheed (FUB), Freja<sup>([[:da:Stormen Freja|da wiki]])</sup> (DMI), 7–10 November.
*Frank (FUB), [[Storm Abigail|Abigail]] (UK/IE), 11–17 November.
*Heini (FUB), Barney (UK/IE), 16–19 November.
*Nils II (FUB), Clodagh (UK/IE), Gorm<sup>([[:da:Stormen Gorm|da wiki]])</sup>(DMI), 29–30 November.
*Rudi (FUB), Helga<sup>([[:da:Stormen Helga|da wiki]])</sup> (DMI), 3–4 December.
*Ted (FUB), [[Storm Desmond|Desmond]] (UK/IE), Synne (Nor), 3–8 December.
*Uwe (FUB), Diddú (Isl), 7 December.
*Chuck (FUB), [[Storm Eva|Eva]] (UK/IE), Staffan (SMHI), 24–26 December.
*Eckard (FUB), Frank (UK/IE), 29–30 December.
*Marita (FUB), Gertrude (UK/IE), Tor (Nor), 29–30 January.
*Norkys (FUB), Henry (UK/IE), 1–2 February.
*Ruzica–Susanna (FUB), Imogen (UK/IE), 7–8 February.
*Aloisia II (FUB), Jake (UK/IE), 2–3 March.
*Jeanne (FUB), Katie (UK/IE), 28 March.
|}
==See also==
* [[European Windstorm]]
==Notes==
{{notelist}}
==References==
{{Reflist}}
==External links==
{{commons category|2015–16 UK and Ireland windstorm season}}
*{{cite web|url=http://www.eumetsat.int/website/home/Images/ImageLibrary/DAT_2852658.html |title=Storm Abigail - Ireland and UK's first officially named storm |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20151120161754/http://www.eumetsat.int/website/home/Images/ImageLibrary/DAT_2852658.html |archivedate=20 November 2015|website=[[EUMETSAT]]}}
{{Extratropical cyclones}}
{{European windstorms}}
{{UK and Ireland windstorm seasons}}
{{Weather events in the United Kingdom}}
{{Authority control}}
{{DEFAULTSORT:2015-16 UK and Ireland windstorm season}}
[[Category:Winter weather events in the United Kingdom]]
[[Category:Winter weather events in Ireland]]
[[Category:2015 meteorology]]
[[Category:2015 in the Republic of Ireland]]
[[Category:2016 meteorology]]
[[Category:2016 in the Republic of Ireland]]
[[Category:European windstorm seasons|15-16]]
[[Category:2015 disasters in the United Kingdom]]
[[Category:2016 disasters in the United Kingdom]]
[[Category:2015 disasters in Ireland]]