WATER BLUNDER
BBC weather app glitch warns of hurricane & 14kmph WIND as Carol Kirkwood forced to say ‘don’t be alarmed’ on live TV
Weather presenter Carol Kirkwood addressed the confusion live on BBC Breakfast
A BBC weather app glitch warned of a hurricane with "14,408mph winds and temperatures of 404C" as Carol Kirkwood was forced to reassure viewers "don't be alarmed".
Brits were baffled by a confusing weather blunder this morning warning of "hurricane force winds" that horrified the nation.
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Incorrect graphics predicted London was set to experience winds of more than 13,000mph today while Nottingham would have overnight temperatures of 404C.
Writing on X, BBC Weather said: "You may have noticed some data issues on our app and website.
"We are working hard to fix it quickly. Sorry - please bear with us."
Meanwhile weather presenter Carol Kirkwood was forced to address the confusion live on BBC Breakfast.
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She blamed a "technical glitch" the team were "well aware" of and reassured viewers "don't be alarmed".
BBC broadcast meteorologist Matt Taylor assured the public that Hurricane Milton, the category three storm that overnight, was not on its way to the UK.
"Don't be alarmed folks - Hurricane Milton hasn't made it to us here in the UK!", he wrote on X.
"There's been a data glitch between our suppliers and the app/online. Folk are working to solve the issue.
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"No need to panic buy plywood and candles."
Lead BBC Weather presenter, Simon King, also warned Brits "not to be alarmed" by the gaff.
He wrote on social media: "Oops, don’t be alarmed by some of our @bbcweather data this morning.
"Be assured there won’t be 14408mph winds, hurricane force winds or overnight temperatures of 404°C."
A BBC spokesperson said: “We’re aware of an issue with our third-party supplier, which means our Weather app and website are wrongly predicting hurricane wind speeds everywhere.
"That is incorrect and we apologise. We’re working with our supplier to fix this as soon as possible.”
It comes as Hurricane Milton barrelled into Florida last night - battering the state with destructive 120mph winds and flooding.
The "catastrophic" storm has already claimed two lives as it continues to bring misery to an area still ravaged by Hurricane Helene.
Devastating flash flooding is causing chaos in the Tampa Bay area, with up to 16 inches of rainfall so far.
More than two million homes and businesses have been left without power.
And at least 125 homes have been destroyed after Tampa Mayor Jane Castor's grim warning houses would be turned into "coffins".
Two deaths have been confirmed by local officials in St Lucie County, with multiple others rushed to hospital after the hurricane spawned at least 19 powerful tornadoes.
Milton has sparked 126 tornado warnings in Florida - the most ever in a single day.
Meanwhile, in the UK, flooding shut down roads and left cars stuck as persistent and heavy rain caused travel mayhem yesterday.
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There were 73 alerts in place across England on Wednesday with flood warnings for 18 locations including two in Bristol.
The A1 was completely closed after heavy rain left some cars stuck in swirling floodwater.
UK five day weather forecast
Source; Met Office
Today
Cloud and patchy rain clearing southern counties of England and Wales this morning. Then a fine day for all, with plenty of sunny spells. A few showers possible, mainly towards the north and east. Feeling colder than recent days.
Tonight
Showers becoming more frequent across northwest Scotland through the evening and into the early hours. Largely dry elsewhere, with lengthy clear spells. A patchy frost forming as winds fall light.
Friday
After a chilly start, most will have another fine day with plenty of sunshine. The risk of some showery rain developing at times across northern and western parts of Scotland.
Outlook for Saturday to Monday
Showery rain across Scotland and Northern Ireland on Saturday. Dry elsewhere, with sunny spells. Sunday and Monday should remain bright for most, though a few showers are possible. Feeling warmer.
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