Warning: Yellow
To expect: Wind
Affected areas: South West England, Wales
Start time estimate: Monday 10pm
End time estimate: Tuesday 4pm
The Met Office has issued a Yellow wind warning for South West England and Wales for Monday and Tuesday. All local areas affected are listed below.
Hazardous winds are set to batter the regions on Monday at around 10pm. The strong gusts are expected to continue lashing the areas until Tuesday 4pm.
The Yellow alert for wind was announced at 11:18am on Sunday, December 7.
A Met Office forecast said: “South to southwesterly winds will strengthen on Monday night and remain strong and gusty into Tuesday morning, before gradually easing through Tuesday afternoon. Peak gusts of 40-50 mph are expected fairly widely, but gusts of 60-70 mph will be possible along some exposed coasts and over/to the north of high ground. There is a small chance of gusts in excess of 70 mph over northwest Wales.”
What to expect
Some delays to road, rail, air and ferry transport are likely; Probably some bus and train services affected, with some journeys taking longer; Delays for high-sided vehicles on exposed routes and bridges likely; Some short term loss of power and other services is possible; It’s likely that some coastal routes, sea fronts and coastal communities will be affected by spray and/or large waves.
What should you do during intense winds?
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
South West England
Cornwall, Devon, Isles of Scilly, Plymouth, Somerset, Torbay
Wales
Carmarthenshire, Ceredigion, Conwy, Denbighshire, Gwynedd, Isle of Anglesey, Pembrokeshire, Powys, Swansea
What is a 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 effect until 4pm on Tuesday.