Be prepared for Storm Eunice
Emergency services on 'full alert' in Wiltshire and Hampshire
There might have been a few blustery showers in the last couple of days, but it's nothing compared to what's coming our way!
We're expecting to be battered by Storm Eunice on Friday (18th February), with an Amber weather warning in place from the Met Office for windy conditions.
Gusts of up to 80 mph could be possible in South Wiltshire and West Hampshire.
FIREFIGHTERS' ADVICE
Dorset and Wiltshire Fire and Rescue Service are asking us to beware while Storm Eunice brings severe weather.
They've reminded drivers in particular to be 'extra vigilant and understand the dangers posed by surface water on the roads'.
Group Manager Stuart Gillion said:
“Very often, surface water doesn’t appear very deep but there can be unseen dips in the road which then catch drivers unaware. There is also a risk of drivers in larger vehicles driving through water without dropping their speed, which then creates a ‘bow wave’ effect – and this can cause significant risks for other vehicles. 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.”
Here's some tips from DWFRS if you are travelling:
- 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
- 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
HAMPSHIRE HIGHWAYS RESPONSE
Hampshire County Council's roads team say they're on 'full alert' ahead of Storm Eunice.
Councillor Russell Oppenheimer, Executive Member for Highways Operations, said:
“Following the Met Office warning for this latest storm, our highways teams are ready to work round the clock if needs be, with additional frontline resources on standby in order to keep Hampshire moving.
“They are braced to deal with the consequences from the expected gusts of wind up to 60-70 mph inland, and possibly up to 80 mph in exposed costal locations. In preparation, we will have extra specialist tree crews and emergency response gangs available, as well as drainage teams on standby should the strong wind be accompanied by heavy rain.
“Before setting out on a journey on Friday and over the weekend, I would ask that anyone checks the weather forecast and traffic information before they head off and consider if their journey is absolutely necessary. Anyone who must travel, is urged to please be prepared and drive according to the conditions.”
Wiltshire Council say they'll be monitoring the situation and posting updates on their social media feeds.
They're asking for our help to keep on top of issues like fallen trees and flooded highways by reporting it to them on the My Wiltshire website.