East prepares for more bad weather as Storm Franklin hits UK

Yellow wind warning's are in force across Norfolk, Suffolk and Essex

Author: Abi SimpsonPublished 21st Feb 2022
Last updated 21st Feb 2022

Another named storm is sweeping towards East Anglia, bringing with it gales of up to 75mph.

The Met Office has named Storm Franklin and issued a yellow wind warning for Norfolk, Suffolk and Essex.

The warning is in force until 1pm on Monday.

Forecasters say the gusts could damage buildings, bring down trees and power cables and cause more travel disruption.

Large waves are also expected on the coast, which could cause flying debris with a danger to life.

The Met Office says the latest storm could also hamper the clean-up after Storm Eunice.

She battered the UK on Friday, leaving thousands of homes in the region without power.

UK Power Networks says 97% of those have now been restored though.

What can we expect from Storm Franklin?

The Met Office says periods of very strong winds are expected on Sunday and Monday, with possible disruption. We can expect:

Some damage to buildings, such as tiles blown from roofs, could happen, along with trees/branches being brought down

Road, rail, air and ferry services may be affected, with longer journey times and cancellations possible

Some roads and bridges may close

Power cuts may occur, with the potential to affect other services, such as mobile phone coverage

Injuries and danger to life could occur from large waves and beach material being thrown onto sea fronts, coastal roads and properties

The forecast states: "Winds are likely to strengthen across England and Wales on Sunday, as an increasingly squally band of rain moves southeastwards.

"Gusts of 55-60mph are expected widely around south and west facing coasts, but possibly also briefly inland.

"There is a chance that a few exposed places could see gusts near 70mph.

"Strong gusts associated with blustery wintry showers will follow from the north.

"A swathe of very strong winds will reach Northern Ireland later Sunday evening in association with Storm Franklin.

"These very strong winds will spread to many other western, central and southern areas of the UK overnight and early Monday, with gusts widely 50-60mph, whilst west facing coastal districts will see gusts of 65-75mph and perhaps 80mph briefly near north coast of Northern Ireland.

"In the south these strong winds may hamper, or slow, ongoing recovery efforts in the wake of Storm Eunice.

"Winds will ease steadily from the northwest during the remainder of Monday".

Disruption

We're already seeing the impact of Storm Franklin in the East with Greater Anglia confirming there will be a very reduced service in operation this morning.

The rail company says if trees do come down or there is damage to overhead wires then we can expect to see hours of delays as a result.

Drivers heading out this morning are also being urged to take care on the roads, and are being reminded not to attempt driving through floodwater.

The latest warnings and forecast for the whole of East Anglia can be found on the Met Office website.

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