Warning: Yellow
To expect: Wind
Affected area: Multiple, listed below
Start time estimate: Thursday 5am
End time estimate: Thursday 8pm
The Met Office has announced an updated Yellow wind alert for several regions across the UK for Thursday.
The warning is covering parts of East Midlands, North East England, North West England, Wales, West Midlands, Yorkshire and Humber. All local areas affected are listed below.
Strong winds are set to hit the regions on Thursday at around 5am. The hazardous winds are expected to continue lashing the areas until 8pm.
The updated Yellow alert for wind was announced at 1:37pm on Thursday, March 12.
A Met Office forecast said: “Strong winds are expected during Thursday associated with an active weather front moving southeastwards across the UK. Gusts of 50-55 mph are expected widely, with some coastal locations and areas downwind of high ground seeing gusts of 60 mph or even 70 mph in a few places. Winds will ease from the north through the day.”
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
East Midlands
Derbyshire, Lincolnshire, Nottinghamshire
North East England
Darlington, Durham, Gateshead, Hartlepool, Middlesbrough, Newcastle upon Tyne, North Tyneside, Northumberland, Redcar and Cleveland, South Tyneside, Stockton-on-Tees, Sunderland
North West England
Blackburn with Darwen, Blackpool, Cheshire East, Cheshire West and Chester, Cumbria, Greater Manchester, Halton, Lancashire, Merseyside, Warrington
Wales
Conwy, Denbighshire, Flintshire, Gwynedd, Isle of Anglesey, Wrexham
West Midlands
Staffordshire
Yorkshire and Humber
East Riding of Yorkshire, Kingston upon Hull, North East Lincolnshire, North Lincolnshire, North Yorkshire, South Yorkshire, West Yorkshire, York
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 8pm on Thursday.