Warning: Yellow
To expect: Wind
Affected areas: London and South East England, South West England, Wales
Start time estimate: Thursday 3pm
End time estimate: Friday 6am
The Met Office has issued an updated Yellow wind alert for London and South East England, South West England and Wales for Thursday and Friday, with conditions linked to Storm Goretti.
The warning is covering parts of London and South East England, South West England, Wales. All local areas affected are listed below.
Intense winds are set to hit the regions on Thursday at around 3pm. The strong gusts are expected to continue battering the areas until Friday 6am.
The updated Yellow warning for wind was announced at 11:05am on Wednesday, January 7.
A Met Office forecast said: “As Storm Goretti approaches, winds will strengthen through Thursday afternoon, with the strongest spell of winds during Thursday evening, with peak gusts of 50-60 mph likely fairly widely, and 60-70 mph along exposed coasts and hills. Depending on the exact track of Storm Goretti, there is a chance that the Isles of Scilly and south and west Cornwall could experience a short period of exceptionally strong northwesterly winds, with gusts potentially of 80-90 mph. Winds will gradually ease through the early hours of Friday. This system has been named by Meteo France as the strongest winds associated with Storm Goretti are most likely over northern France.”
What to expect
Injuries and danger to life from flying debris are possible; Some damage to buildings, such as tiles blown from roofs, could happen; Road, rail, air and ferry services may be affected, with longer journey times and cancellations possible; Some roads and bridges may close; Power cuts may occur, with the potential to affect other services, such as mobile phone coverage; Injuries and danger to life could occur from large waves and beach material being thrown onto sea fronts, coastal roads and properties.
What should you do during gale-force winds?
Prepare to protect your property and people from injury.
Check for loose items outside your home and plan how you could secure them. Items include: bins, garden furniture, trampolines, tents, sheds, and fences.
Give yourself the best chance of avoiding delays by checking road conditions if driving, or bus and train timetables, amending your travel plans if necessary.
People cope better with power cuts when they have prepared for them in advance. It’s easy to do: consider gathering torches and batteries, a mobile phone power pack and other essential items.
If you are on the coast, stay safe during stormy weather by being aware of large waves. Even from the shore large breaking waves can sweep you off your feet and out to sea.
Take care if walking near cliffs; know your route and keep dogs on a lead. In an emergency, call 999 and ask for the Coastguard.
Be prepared for weather warnings to change quickly. When a weather warning is issued, the Met Office recommends staying up to date with the weather forecast in your area.
For further details see Met Office Warnings & Advice.
Full list of local areas affected
London and South East England
Hampshire, Isle of Wight, Portsmouth
South West England
Bournemouth Christchurch and Poole, Cornwall, Devon, Dorset, Isles of Scilly, Plymouth, Somerset, Torbay
Wales
Pembrokeshire
What is an updated yellow weather warning?
The Met Office has three categories of weather warning, depending on the likely impact of severe weather and also how likely it is to strike in a particular area.
A yellow warning is issued when weather conditions are expected to disrupt travel and traffic and may impact on daily routines but are not likely to pose a risk to life or property.
An amber warning is more severe and advises people to think about changing their plans to minimise the risk.
A red warning means weather conditions are expected to be dangerous with widespread damage to property and a risk to life, with the public usually advised to avoid travelling.
The Yellow weather alert for wind will remain in place until 6am on Friday.