Head teachers are closing schools in parts of England and Wales ahead of the expected arrival of Storm Eunice which has prompted a rare red severe weather warning from the Met Office.
Fears of the oncoming storm has also prompted Gloucestershire's Local Resilience Forum to declare a major incident due to the 'danger to life' posed by the storm.
In a message shared by Gloucestershire police, the forum says lives are at risk from flooding and high winds and door-to-door visits will take place at homes in vulnerable locations. Rest centres are also being set up for those who need it.
In Gloucestershire and Wales a number of schools will move to remote learning to protect teachers and staff.
The full major incident message for Gloucestershire reads:
"A red weather alert and flood warnings running along the Severn Estuary up to Longford have been put in place for tomorrow morning (Friday 18 February) from 7am, coinciding with the arrival of Storm Eunice.
"Local agencies are asking residents in properties that are expected to flood to heed the warnings and take the necessary action. Residents across the county as a whole also need to be vigilant due to the high winds.
"Staff from local councils and the emergency services will be knocking on doors this afternoon to ensure people who need to evacuate safely. Those who are evacuating are asked to pass on this notice and knock on neighbours’ doors if possible.
"If you can, please stay with family or friends. Rest Centres are being set up by local councils for those who need them."
Storm Eunice - what to expect
- Flying debris resulting in danger to life
- Damage to buildings and homes, with roofs blown off and power lines brought down
- Uprooted trees are likely
- Roads, bridges and railway lines closed, with delays and cancellations to bus, train, ferry services and flights
- Power cuts affecting other services, such as mobile phone coverage
- Large waves and beach material being thrown onto coastal roads, sea fronts and homes, including flooding of some coastal properties
Snow and wind are a risk for parts of Scotland, northern England and Northern Ireland on Friday.
Residents are being urged to stay home and train services are being cancelled after the Met Office issued the highest level of alert for Storm Eunice.
The red weather warning – the highest alert, meaning a high impact is very likely – has been issued due to the combination of high tides, strong winds and storm surge, which is understood to be a rare event for the UK.
The extreme weather has also prompted a cold weather alert for parts of northern England on Friday, with heavy snow and icy conditions forecast.
