Warning: Yellow

To expect: Wind

Affected areas: South West England

Start time estimate: Sunday 7am

End time estimate: Sunday 2pm

The Met Office has issued an updated Yellow wind warning for South West England for Sunday.

High winds are forecast to sweep through the region, approaching the area at around 7am on Sunday and will continue sweeping through until 2pm.

The updated Yellow warning for wind was issued at 10:18pm on Saturday, January 25.

A Met Office forecast said: “A spell of very strong south to southeasterly winds accompanied by heavy rain and also the possibility of a few thunderstorms, will move east across southwest England during Sunday morning. Winds are likely to gust 55-65 mph widely with a few gusts of 75 mph possible, chiefly near some exposed coasts and hills, but also where heavy showers occur further inland.”

What to expect

Road, rail, air and ferry services may be affected, with longer journey times possible; Some roads and bridges may close; Power cuts may occur, with the potential to affect other services, such as mobile phone coverage; Some damage to buildings, such as tiles blown from roofs, could happen; Injuries and danger to life from flying debris are possible; 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 strong gusts?

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 https://www.metoffice.gov.uk/weather/warnings-and-advice/uk-warnings.

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 2pm on Sunday.