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Delegated Services Risk Warning: Weather; Wind

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Amber warning for South West England


Wind

Hello all,


What a way to start 2024! The Met Office has issued an AMBER warning focussing on the winds associated with named storm: HENK. It covers all of our local operational area.

The timescale of the warning is in place, at present, between 10:00 AM on 
Tuesday 2nd January 2024 and 20:00 PM on Tuesday 2nd Jan 2024.

They say:

Storm Henk will bring a spell of very strong winds, causing disruption to travel and utilities.

What to expect
* Longer journey times and cancellations likely, as road, rail, air and ferry services may be affected
* Some roads and bridges likely to close
* Probably some damage to buildings, such as tiles blown from roofs
* Flying debris is likely and could lead to Injuries or danger to life
* There is a good chance that power cuts may occur, with the potential to affect other services, such as mobile phone coverage, and
* Injuries and danger to life is likely from large waves and beach material being thrown onto coastal roads, sea fronts and properties.

Gusts of 70-80 mph are likely on exposed coasts in the west. Inland, gusts of 50-60 mph are more probable, but perhaps briefly 60-70 mph in one or two places. 

Driving in these conditions can be dangerous, if you must drive, you can do this more safely by taking the following actions:

* drive slowly to minimise the impact of wind gusts
* be aware of high sided vehicles/caravans on more exposed roads and be cautious when overtaking, and 
* give cyclists, motorcyclists, lorries and buses more room than usual. 

Being outside in high winds makes you more vulnerable to injury. Stay indoors as much as possible. If you do go out, try not to walk, or shelter, close to buildings and trees. 

Carefully check for loose items outside and, if possible, safely secure them. Items include mobile play equipment, bins, garden furniture, trampolines, tents, sheds and fences. 

Be particularly cautious in coastal and high/exposed areas.

Prepare for potential power cuts now. Are your torches ready with spare batteries, or are they wound up to charge them? Have you got mobile phone power packs and other essential items ready?

All the best.

Bill

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