Warning: Amber
To expect: Wind
Affected area: Multiple, listed below
Start time estimate: Friday 7am
End time estimate: Friday 10pm
Storm Éowyn prompts the Met Office to issue an updated Amber wind alert for several regions across the UK for Friday.
The warning is covering parts of Central, Tayside and Fife, Grampian, Highlands and Eilean Siar, North East England, North West England, SW Scotland, Lothian Borders, Strathclyde. All local areas affected are listed below.
Strong gusts are predicted to hit the regions, arriving across the areas at around 7am on Friday and will continue sweeping through until 10pm.
The updated Amber alert for wind was issued at 12:31pm on Tuesday, January 21.
A Met Office forecast said: “Storm Éowyn is moving across the north of the UK this evening, clearing to the northeast overnight. This will bring a spell of very strong west to southwesterly winds, with peak gusts of 60-70 mph fairly widely inland, 70-80 mph in some areas, and 80-90 mph along more exposed coasts and hills (perhaps even higher in a few locations). Winds will gradually ease later on Friday.”
What to expect
Power cuts are likely to occur, with the potential to affect other services, such as mobile phone coverage.
Injuries and danger to life could occur from flying debris, as well as large waves and beach material being thrown onto sea fronts, coastal roads and properties.
Road, rail, air and ferry services are likely to be affected, with longer journey times and cancellations possible. Some roads and bridges will close.
There is a chance that damage to buildings and homes could occur, with roofs blown off and power lines brought down.
What should you do?
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. Windy weather can cause delays and make travel conditions dangerous. Follow these few simple steps to prepare before journeys. Check bus and train timetables, amending your travel plans if necessary. If driving, check road conditions and ensure you have essentials in your car (warm clothing, food, water, a blanket, a torch, an in-car phone charger). 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.
Full list of local areas affected
Central, Tayside and Fife
Angus, Clackmannanshire, Dundee, Falkirk, Fife, Perth and Kinross, Stirling
Grampian
Aberdeenshire
Highlands and Eilean Siar
Highland
North East England
Durham, Gateshead, Newcastle upon Tyne, North Tyneside, Northumberland, South Tyneside, Sunderland
North West England
Cumbria
SW Scotland, Lothian Borders
Dumfries and Galloway, East Lothian, Edinburgh, Midlothian Council, Scottish Borders, West Lothian
Strathclyde
Argyll and Bute, East Ayrshire, East Dunbartonshire, East Renfrewshire, Glasgow, Inverclyde, North Ayrshire, North Lanarkshire, Renfrewshire, South Ayrshire, South Lanarkshire, West Dunbartonshire
What is an updated amber 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 Amber weather alert for wind will remain in place until 10pm on Friday.