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Delegated Services Risk Warning: Weather; Wind

 Hello all,


The Met Office have just issued the following regarding the next named storm Isha:

⚠

Amber warning for South West England

Wind
Between 18:00 (UTC) on Sun 21 Jan 2024 and 
09:00 (UTC) on Mon 22 Jan 2024

This covers the following parts of our operational area:

Bristol, North Somerset, Somerset, South Gloucestershire and Monmouthshire.

The boundary is inevitably fluid and adjoining areas will obviously experience challenging conditions too.

Storm Isha will bring a spell of very strong winds during Sunday evening into Monday. Disruption to travel and utilities is likely.

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
* There is a good chance that power cuts may occur, with the potential to affect other services, such as mobile phone coverage
* Injuries and danger to life is likely from large waves and beach material being thrown onto coastal roads, sea fronts and properties.

Further details
Very strong southwesterly winds will develop widely across Northern Ireland, western parts of England, Wales and the southern half of Scotland during Sunday evening. 

Gusts will frequently reach 50-60 mph, perhaps 70 mph at times in a few locations and, along exposed coastal stretches 80 mph is possible at times. 

During the early hours of Monday winds will turn westerly and affect a wider area before easing through the morning. 

Advice:
Driving in these conditions can be dangerous, for yourself and other road users. 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. 

In advance of high winds, check for loose items outside your home and establishments and secure them. Items include; bins, garden furniture, trampolines, tents, sheds and fences. 

If you are on the coast, stay safe during stormy weather by being aware of large waves. Even from the shore large breaking waves can sweep you off your feet and out to sea. Take care if walking near cliffs; know your route and keep dogs on a lead. In an emergency, call 999 and ask for the Coastguard. 

People cope better with power cuts when they have prepared for them in advance. It’s easy to do; consider gathering torches and batteries, a mobile phone power pack and other essential items. 

Stay up to date with the weather forecast for your area and follow advice from emergency services and local authorities.

Hope that helps?

Bill

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