Met Office upgrades wind warning to amber as Storm Eunice looms

Forecasters say some areas could see gusts of 90mph - 100mph

Author: Emma HartPublished 16th Feb 2022
Last updated 16th Feb 2022

The Met Office has upgraded the weather warning for strong winds in some areas across the country to amber, as two storms sweep towards the UK.

Forecasters have already warned Storm Eunice could pose a danger to life, with gusts of up to 80mph.

They say the gales are likely to cause "significant disruption" across the day on Friday 18th February.

The amber weather warning will be in force from 3am until 9pm.

We can expect large waves, flying debris, fallen trees, power cuts and damage to buildings, as well as travel disruption.

It comes as the north of England, Scotland and Northern Ireland braces for Storm Dudley on Wednesday, with strong winds and heavy rain.

Storm Dudley

Amber Warning High Winds Forecast sign on M8 motorway as Storm Dudley approaches

A High Tide ahead of Storm Dudley brings waves crashing up onto the Promenade at Prestwick Seafront, South Ayrshire

The start of Storm Dudley hits the North West of England on Bridge Street, Ramsbottom, Lancashire. Shoppers take shelter under an umbrella as the rain starts to fall.

What can we expect from Storm Eunice?

The Met Office says: "Storm Eunice may cause significant disruption due to extremely strong winds on Friday" and we can expect:

1) There is a good chance that flying debris could result in a danger to life

2) Damage to buildings and homes is likely, with roofs blown off and power lines brought down

3) Roads, bridges and railway lines are likely to close, with delays and cancellations to bus, train, ferry services and flights

4) There is a good chance that power cuts, possibly prolonged, could occur and possibly affect other services, such as mobile phone coverage

5) Large waves are likely and beach material is likely to be thrown onto sea fronts, coastal roads and properties

6) It is likely there will be falling branches and some uprooted trees

The Met Office forecast states: "Extremely strong winds may develop over southwest England early on Friday, before spreading north and east during the day.

"Whilst there is still some uncertainty in the track of Eunice, there is an increasing likelihood of widespread inland wind gusts of 60-70mph and up to 80mph in a few places.

"Around coasts of west Wales and southwest England, gusts of 90 or possibly even 100mph are possible.

"Winds are expected to ease across western areas through the afternoon, and eastern areas during the evening".

The weather warnings and full forecast can be found on the Met Office website.

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