Warning: Red
To expect: Wind
Affected areas: South West England
Start time estimate: Thursday 4pm
End time estimate: Thursday 11pm
The Met Office has issued an updated Red wind alert for South West England for Thursday, with conditions linked to Storm Goretti.
The region will be affected by high winds, starting at around 4pm on Thursday. The strong gusts will continue lashing the area until 11pm.
The updated Red warning for wind was announced at 2:00pm on Thursday, January 8.
A Met Office forecast said: “Storm Goretti will bring a period of exceptionally strong northwesterly winds to the Isles of Scilly and parts of Cornwall on Thursday evening, with peak gusts of 80-100 mph or more in exposed areas. Winds are expected to increase rapidly from 30-40 mph with violent gusts that may persist for 2-3 hours before easing. Winds will remain strong with the broader yellow warning in force until Friday morning. In addition, very large waves will bring dangerous conditions to some coastal areas.”
What to expect
Damage to buildings and homes, with roofs blown off and power lines brought down. Flying debris resulting in danger to life.; 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; Very large waves and beach material being thrown onto coastal roads, sea fronts and homes.
What should you do?
Keep yourself and others safe; avoid travelling by road during potentially dangerous conditions. It is not safe to drive in these conditions. Don’t risk injury to others or damage to your property. If you can do so safely, check for loose items outside your home and secure them. Items include; bins, garden furniture, trampolines, tents, sheds, and fences. Being outside in high winds makes you vulnerable to injury. Stay indoors if you can. 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 live or work on the coast, beware of large waves, even from the shore large breaking waves can sweep you off your feet and out to sea. In an emergency, call 999 and ask for the Coastguard. Stay up to date with the weather forecast for your area and follow advice from emergency services and local authorities For further details see Met Office Warnings & Advice.
What is an updated red 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 Red weather alert for wind will remain in place until 11pm on Thursday.