Storm Eunice: Essex battles extreme winds with people urged to stay home
Forecasters say it represents a "significant danger to life"
Last updated 18th Feb 2022
A rare red weather warning is in force in Essex as Storm Eunice batters the county.
Forecasters say it represents a "significant danger to life", thanks to flying debris.
The warning is in effect from 10am to 3pm (18th February), although the area is also covered by an amber warning, from 5am until 9pm.
Buildings and homes could be damaged, and power cuts are expected.
Met Office Chief Meteorologist Paul Gundersen said: “After the impacts from Storm Dudley for many on Wednesday, Storm Eunice will bring damaging gusts in what could be one of the most impactful storms to affect southern and central parts of the UK for a few years.”
“The red warning areas indicate a significant danger to life as extremely strong winds provide the potential for damage to structures and flying debris. Although the most exposed coastal areas could see gusts in excess of 90mph, winds will remain notably strong further inland, with gusts of between 60-70mph for most within the amber warning area, and up to 80mph in a few places.”
Travel Disruption
National Highways Head of Road Safety, Jeremy Phillips, said: “We’re encouraging drivers to check the latest weather and travel conditions before setting off on journeys and consider if their journey is necessary and can be delayed until conditions improve. If you do intend to travel, then plan your trip and take extra care, allowing more time for your journey.
“In high winds, there’s a particular risk to lorries, caravans and motorbikes so we’d advise drivers of these vehicles to slow down.
“Drivers of other vehicles should be aware of sudden gusts of wind which can affect handling and braking, and give high-sided vehicles, caravans, and motorbikes plenty of space. In the event of persistent high winds we may need to close bridges to traffic for a period, so please be alert for warnings of closures and follow signed diversion routes.”
On the trains Greater Anglia have suspended all services to give Network Rail a chance to catch up with repairs.
A number of trees are down on tracks across the region which is causing problems.
Some passengers are having to be helped by train staff.Most are offering remote learning options instead.
C2C rail have issued a similar message:
Power Cuts
UK Power Networks is reporting a number of outtages in the county, areas affected include Chelmsford, Brentwood, and Basildon.
Other Disruption
It's not just travel that's been affected by the weather, attractions have also had to call it a day due to the wind.
Colchester Zoo has closed to protect the safety of its staff and animals.
While Southend Pier has remained shut, and the LuminoCity festival has been postponed today.
All recycling centres in Essex are shut and people who were planning to register births, deaths or weddings today have been told to reschedule.
There have also been reports of some trees coming down in Essex, such as this one in Westcliff-on-Sea:
We'll have more on all of this in our bulletins throughout today.