Warning: Yellow
To expect: Wind
Affected areas: South West England, Wales
Start time estimate: Thursday 7am
End time estimate: Thursday 4pm
The Met Office has issued an updated Yellow wind alert for South West England and Wales for Thursday. All local areas affected are listed below.
Hazardous winds are set to hit the regions on Thursday at around 7am. The intense winds are expected to continue battering the areas until 4pm.
The updated Yellow warning for wind was announced at 12:07pm on Tuesday, October 21.
A Met Office forecast said: “A spell of strong northwesterly winds will develop across parts of southwest England and western Wales on Thursday morning, as Storm Benjamin moves across southeast England. Gusts are expected to reach 40-45 mph widely across the warning area, with a risk of these reaching 44-55 mph along exposed coasts and headlands.”
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 isolated 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 high 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, Somerset
Wales
Carmarthenshire, Ceredigion, Conwy, Gwynedd, Isle of Anglesey, Pembrokeshire, Swansea
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 effect until 4pm on Thursday.