Bristol Port and the Environment Agency are bracing for bad weather as Storm Dudley begins to make way for Storm Eunice.
In a tweet posted at around 5.30pm this evening (Wednesday, February 16) Bristol Port wrote: "Major winter storm to coincide with high spring tides. Currently amber warning has been issued but it is at the top end of high impacts.
"Potential for a Red Warning to be issued on February 17, 2022. Bristol Port is well prepared and will be implementing appropriate measures to ensure safety of staff, tenants and all visitors." It is understood to have referred to the amber "danger to life" warning the Met Office has already issued for Bristol for Friday, which is when Storm Eunice is due to bring gusts of up to 65mph.
READ MORE: Storm Dudley LIVE: Bristol blasted by 56mph winds
In addition, the Environment Agency has said Eunice could cause a 'tidal surge' along the South West coast including parts of Devon, Cornwall and Somerset on Friday, with residents urged to take action and prepare for flooding. Strong winds, large waves and the storm surge are likely to cause wave-overtopping and flooding to exposed communities on the north coast during the high tide, according to the Environment Agency, and people are also being advised to stay away from coastal areas, shoreline roads, paths, piers and promenades.
A flood alert is currently in place for the Severn Estuary around Severn Beach near Bristol, advising: "We expect flooding to affect the Severn Estuary at Severn Beach including New Passage and Pilning. Coastal conditions should ease for the 17/02/22 high tides at 7.45am and 8.15pm, but expected to worsen on Friday morning with Storm Eunice.
"We are closely monitoring the situation. Our incident response staff are checking defences and closing flood gates." The Met Office has an amber warning in place for wind across the South of England for Friday (February 18, 2022) including Bristol which states that "Storm Eunice may cause significant disruption due to extremely strong winds on Friday", listing 'what to expect' as the following:
How have you been affected by the two storms? Let us know in the comments section.
- 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
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.
“You can check your flood risk, sign up for free flood warnings and keep up to date with the latest situation, call Floodline on 0345 988 1188 or follow @EnvAgencySW on Twitter for the latest flood updates. 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’. ”
Residents can sign up to Environment Agency Flood Warning messages and to make sure they are prepared for flooding by following the ‘Prepare, Act, Survive’ guidance:
Get the best stories about the things you love most curated by us and delivered to your inbox every day. Choose what you love here.
- 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.
READ MORE: UK weather: Charts show blizzards and 90mph gales as Storm Dudley and Storm Eunice hammer Britain
ALSO READ: Storm Dudley: Alex Beresford says exact time 90mph gales could hit the UK
READ MORE: Radisson Blue in Bristol Broad Quay cordoned off by police and fire crews during Storm Dudley
