The Met Office has issued an amber weather warning for Bristol on Friday as Storm Eunice arrives. An amber warning means that there is "danger to life" due to what are described as "extremely strong winds".
The agency had originally issued a yellow warning, but that has been upgraded as the forecast becomes clearer. The Met Office now says that the strongest winds will be felt in the south and the west of the UK, and forecasts that Bristol will see winds gusts of up to 65mph.
The Environment Agency has also issued a warning to people living in flood risk communities along the north coast of Somerset, Devon, and Cornwall due to a forecast tidal surge caused by Storm Eunice that is "likely" to cause flooding.
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The amber warning comes into force at 3am on Friday morning when Storm Eunice is set to make landfall. It is set to last until 9pm that same evening, and the Met Office warns that there will be "extremely strong winds" that could cause "significant disruption" across the region.
The Met Office says that the south west should expect the following on Friday:
- There is a good chance that flying debris could result in a danger to life
- Damage to buildings and homes is likely, with roofs blown off and power lines brought down
- Roads, bridges and railway lines are likely to close, with delays and cancellations to bus, train, ferry services and flights
- There is a good chance that power cuts, possibly prolonged, could occur and possibly affect other services, such as mobile phone coverage
- Large waves are likely and beach material is likely to be thrown onto sea fronts, coastal roads and properties
- It is likely there will be falling branches and some uprooted trees
How will the extreme weather affect your plans this week? Tell us in the comments section.
The entire south and south west of England and all of Wales are covered by the amber warning. Meanwhile, the north of England, southern Scotland, and Northern Ireland are covered by a yellow warning due to wind and snow.
At 3am on Friday morning, the Met Office forecasts that it will be pouring with rain, while the winds will gust up to 36mph. That will keep building throughout the morning up to a sustained wind speed of 34mph at 12pm, with gusts up to 65mph. The wind speeds will then start decreasing through the rest of the day, dropping to 17mph sustained speed at 9pm, with gusts up to 31mph.
After Storm Eunice, the Met Office says that the unsettled weather will continue over the weekend with further strong winds, rain and sleet expected through Saturday and Sunday. The changeable conditions are then expected to continue into next week.
Meanwhile, the Environment Agency is urging people living in flood risk communities along the north coast of Somerset (as well as Devon and Cornwall) to prepare for flooding from a forecast tidal surge caused by Storm Eunice on Friday. The agency says that the tidal surge is possible Friday morning, and people are being urged to take steps to protect themselves and their property from the risk of flooding.
The warning adds that strong winds, large waves, coupled with the storm surge, are likely to cause wave-overtopping and flooding to exposed communities on the north coast during the high tide. People are advised to stay away from coastal areas and keep away from shoreline roads and paths, piers and promenades.
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Residents in those areas are to make sure they are prepared for flooding by following the ‘Prepare, Act, Survive’ guidance:
- Prepare a bag that includes medical and insurance documents
- Check the latest flood situation online
- Know how to turn off your gas, electricity and water
- Check your insurance to make sure you are covered for flood damage. If you rent your home, it is your responsibility to have insurance for your belongings.
- If you are flooded, call 999 if in immediate danger and follow advice from emergency services.
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Jim Flory at the Environment Agency, said: “Strong winds from Storm Eunice could cause a storm surge and large waves, bringing a risk of flooding to homes and businesses along the north coast. We’re seeking to give early warning to communities to prepare. We will issue flood warnings if necessary and we have teams out on the ground taking action to reduce the impact of any possible flooding.
“A Met Office weather warning is in place for Storm Eunice, so people should take extreme care near any coastal areas. We urge people to stay safe and warn wave watchers against the unnecessary danger of taking ‘storm selfies’. ”
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