Storm Darragh: Strong winds expected across the South

We're being warned to batten down the hatches in the South, ahead of the arrival of Storm Darragh.

A Met Office yellow warning, which lasts for 39 hours, kicks from 3.00pm this afternoon (Friday 6th December) and continues until Sunday morning (8th December).

It's in effect across the whole region, for Dorset, Wiltshire, Hampshire, the Isle of Wight, and Sussex.

For a time on Saturday (7th December), the warning for parts of Dorset is also stepped up to amber - the second highest level the Met Office can advise.

Forecasters warn winds could reach up to 80 mph in coastal areas, but more widely up to 60 mph.

The Met Office warns we can expect:

• A slight chance of some damage to buildings, such as tiles blown from roofs

• It is likely that some roads and bridges could close, with impacts from falling trees

• A slight chance that power cuts may occur, with the potential to affect other services, such as mobile phone coverage

• 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

• A small chance of injuries and danger to life from flying debris

• There is likely to be longer journey times or cancellations as road, rail, air and ferry services are affected

Safety warning issued by firefighters

Fire services in the South are also warning that the weather conditions could bring some safety hazards, from heavy rain and strong winds.

Dorset & Wiltshire Fire (DWFRS) is calling on drivers to be 'extra vigilant and understand the dangers posed by surface water on the roads'.

Group Manager Jim Weston said: “While this stormy weather continues, please drive to the conditions and be particularly cautious at fords, where water levels can rise a lot in a short space of time. Storm Darragh has the potential to cause a lot of damage in our area, so we urge residents to make their homes safe and follow our advice.”

If you are travelling through areas affected by heavy rain, please remember:

• If you see a sign to say that the road is closed due to flooding, remember the sign is there for a reason. Don’t try to drive through or you might get stuck. It only takes the equivalent of an eggcup of water to seize a car engine.

• Wherever possible, don’t drive through standing water – as well as the water damaging your car, there may be hazards under the water you can’t see.

• If you are driving a larger vehicle, do not go through flood water at speed as this creates a ‘bow wave’ that can then cause flooding to other vehicles or adjacent properties.

• Slow down and take extra care if driving a high sided vehicle in strong winds.

• If heavy rain is making visibility difficult when driving, pull over if possible and safe to do so.

• Remember that roads will be slippery during wet conditions.

• Don’t try and walk through floodwater that is above knee level, as the force of the water could easily knock you off your feet. There is also a danger of open manholes, trenches or other hazards that you can’t see.

We're also reminded not to call the Fire and Rescue Service about fallen trees, unless there is a risk to life or property - instead direction reports to local councils.

There's also risks along the coast, with rockfalls more likely to happen during prolonged periods of rain.

If you intend visiting the coast, take notice of signs and stay away from the edge and base of cliffs.

We're also encourage to check tide times, and beware of mud flows on beaches.

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