Warning: Yellow
To expect: Wind
Affected areas: South West England, Wales
Start time estimate: Tuesday 5am
End time estimate: Tuesday 4pm
The Met Office has announced a Yellow wind alert for South West England and Wales for Tuesday amid Storm Chandra.
The warning is covering parts of South West England, Wales. All local areas affected are listed below.
The regions will be battered by high winds. The strong winds are anticipated to start on Tuesday at around 5am and last until 4pm.
The Yellow warning for wind was announced at 10:23am on Monday, January 26.
A Met Office forecast said: “South to southwesterly winds, associated with Storm Chandra, will become very strong during Tuesday morning with peak gusts typically of 50-60 mph inland and 60-70 mph along exposed coasts. There is a small chance of gusts up to 80 mph for parts of the Isles of Scilly and Pembrokeshire. Winds should gradually ease later in the afternoon.”
What to expect
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; 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 Met Office Warnings & Advice.
Full list of local areas affected
South West England
Cornwall, Devon, Isles of Scilly
Wales
Carmarthenshire, Ceredigion, Pembrokeshire, 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 place until 4pm on Tuesday.