75mph winds set to hit UK as Storm Arwen approaches
The Met Office has issued several weather warnings
Last updated 25th Nov 2021
The Met Office has issued weather warnings for much of the UK as a storm approaches bringing 75mph winds.
Storm Arwen is set to hit the UK on Friday and could cause travel disruption and damage to buildings over the weekend.
The Met Office has issued an amber wind warning for parts of north-east England and Scotland from Friday afternoon, lasting until Saturday morning as the result of Storm Arwen.
It says that flying debris leading to injuries or danger to life is “likely” with people also told to expect damage to trees and buildings, public transport cancellations, road and bridge closures, power cuts and large waves.
Yellow wind warnings are also in place across most western parts of the UK on Friday, extending to the rest of the country on Saturday.
What can we expect?
Stephen Dixon, a Met Office spokesman, told the PA news agency: “The worst affected areas will predominantly be on the coasts, with gusts of over 75mph bringing possible disruption to travel and longer journey times, power cuts, flying debris and large waves with beach material being thrown around.
“There is also a yellow warning of wind in place along the west coast of the UK from 9am on Friday, stretching from Scotland, through Northern Ireland and Wales and as far as south-west England.
“This reflects the impact Storm Arwen will have, with strong winds likely to occur into Saturday, when the warning is extended to most parts of the UK.
“The south-east and London, though fairly windy, are likely to escape the worst of the gusts and remain relatively calm in comparison to the rest of the country, which will certainly feel the impact of the storm.”
He said Storm Arwen is moving in from the North Sea and will begin to travel south before easing on Sunday.
Chance of snow
Mr Dixon added: “As Arwen causes disruption there will also be the chance of snow in the coming days, especially in the higher regions of Scotland and northern England.
“There may also be some snow in the lower ground region of northern England, though this is likely to be short-lived and fall in the form of sleet or wintry rain.
“It comes on the back of a fall in temperature, with parts of rural Scotland and England to drop below freezing during the night.”
What should I do to prepare for Storm Arwen?
The Met Office has the following safety advice to prepare for stormy weather:
1) Secure loose objects such as ladders, garden furniture or anything else that could be blown into windows and other glazing and break them
2) Close and securely fasten doors and windows, particularly those on the windward side of the house, and especially large doors such as those on garages
3) Park vehicles in a garage, if available; otherwise keep them clear of buildings, trees, walls and fences
4) Close and secure loft trapdoors with bolts, particularly if roof pitch is less than 30°
5) If the house is fitted with storm shutters over the windows then ensure that these are closed and fastened
6) If chimney stacks are tall and in poor condition, move beds away from areas directly below them
More safety advice, including what to do during and after a storm, can be found on the Met Office website.
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