Storm Barra: Up to 80mph gales to batter Cornwall for next two days
The Met Office has issued two severe wind warnings, with the risk of huge waves and travel disruption
Last updated 7th Dec 2021
Cornwall and almost the whole country is on weather watch as Storm Barra sweeps towards the UK.
The first of two severe wind warnings is in force from 9am on Tuesday until midnight, with gusts expected to reach up to 80mph.
Forecasters say huge waves could trigger the risk of flash flooding on the coast.
Power cuts and travel disruption could on the cards as well and it comes just 10 days after Storm Arwen.
Drivers are being advised not to travel unless necessary and people are being urged not to get too close to the coast.
What can we expect?
The Met Office has issued two wind warnings for Cornwall. The first warning, for gusts of up to 80mph, will be in force from 9am until 23.59pm on Tuesday.
The second will be in force from 00.00am until 6pm on Wednesday, bringing gusts of up to 65mph.
Forecasters say Storm Barra will bring very windy conditions to western UK with severe coastal gales and we can expect:
1) There is a small chance that injuries and danger to life could occur from large waves and beach material being thrown onto sea fronts, coastal roads and properties
2) There is a slight chance that power cuts may occur, with the potential to affect other services, such as mobile phone coverage
3) There is a small chance that some roads and bridges could close
4) There is a small chance of longer journey times or cancellations as road, rail, air and ferry services are affected
5) There is a slight chance of some damage to buildings, such as tiles blown from roofs
6) There is a small chance of injuries and danger to life from flying debris
Tuesday's storm forecast states: "Storm Barra will lead to windy conditions over western UK early on Tuesday morning will soon spread eastwards across the warning area bringing severe gales to coastal areas, for a time before starting to ease during Tuesday evening.
"South to southeast winds will gust to 70-80 mph at times across exposed coastal areas and widely 50-60 mph inland.
"The winds, large coastal waves and high tides may lead to some coastal impacts. In addition to wind, showers and longer spells of rain will make for unpleasant and difficult travel conditions".
Wednesday's storm forecast states: "Strong westerly winds slowly moderating through Wednesday.
"Wind gusts of 45-50 mph expected widely across the region, with a potential of 55-65 mph for exposed coastal locations. In addition to strong winds, there is a potential for large waves along windward coasts".
The latest storm forecasts and weather warnings can be found on the Met Office website.
The latest flood alerts can be found on the government's flood information website.