Met Office weather forecasters warned today that some people could experience power cuts after it issued a yellow weather alert for more than 351 miles of the UK’s coastline
The Met Office has issued a power cut warning for the UK as explosive gale-force winds batter the coast today, with extreme weather set to last well into the evening.
The national forecaster has issued a yellow weather warning for a massive section of the southern coast, covering dozens of regions over a more than 351-mile-long area. Tens of thousands of people living in England and Wales, officials have warned, could experience transport delays and an increase of danger from large waves as 55 mph gusts push at the sea.
Chief among the warnings issued today, however, was one warning that “loss of power and other services” would be possible in some of the worst affected areas.
The Met Office warning, which was first issued at 9am today, is set to last until 7pm this evening. Issuing the yellow warning this morning, the Met Office said the new round of severe weather would follow wet and windy conditions overnight, with winds moving from Cornwall and towards Sussex over the course of today.
It states: “Following wet and windy conditions overnight, a second spell of strong southwest to westerly winds is expected to arrive across western Cornwall during Saturday morning.
“These will steadily move eastwards across Cornwall, English Channel coastal districts, and the Isle of Wight, reaching Sussex by mid-afternoon. Winds will then begin to ease from the west. Gusts of 45 to 50 mph are likely widely along coasts and more generally across Cornwall, and may reach 55 mph in a few exposed spots.”
The warning adds: “Some disruption to weekend activities and events is possible, alongside a risk of power outages and some low level travel disruption.”
During the full 10 hours of its activation, the potential risks include:
- Coastal routes, sea fronts and coastal communities experiencing spray and/or large waves
- Some delays to road, rail, air and ferry transport
- Delays for high-sided vehicles on exposed routes and bridges
- Some short term loss of power and other services
- Some damage to temporary structures
Areas covered by the warnings include:
London and South East England
- Brighton and Hove
- East Sussex
- Isle of Wight
- Kent
- Portsmouth
- West Sussex
South West England
- Cornwall
- Devon
- Dorset
- Plymouth
While the Met Office has said there is no risk to life, and that the winds won’t be strong enough to cause damage to standing, non-temporary structures, it has issued advice to people living on the coast.
The advice states: “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.
“Give yourself the best chance of avoiding delays by checking road conditions if driving, or bus and train timetables, amending your travel plans if necessary.” For those who experience power cuts caused by the extreme weather, the Met Office advises: “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. “Be prepared for weather warnings to change quickly: when a weather warning is issued, the Met Office recommends staying up to date with the weather forecast in your area.”