Households in England and Wales are being told to close all their doors, trap doors, attic doors and windows on Sunday as powerful winds of up to 70mph are forecast to sweep the country under a yellow weather warning.
The Met Office has warned that strong gusts are set to batter most of England and Wales from Sunday evening through to late afternoon on Monday which could lead to travel delays and possible power cuts. A yellow weather warning for wind is in place for nine regions of the UK in England and Wales from 8pm on Sunday, September 14, until 6pm on Monday, September 15, with households in the affected areas told to lock their doors and windows to protect their homes and gardens from the powerful gusts.
Households are advised to remove any loose items from gardens, such as outdoor lights, lanterns, hanging baskets and mirrors, as these could easily smash and break in blustery conditions.
The Met office has also urged people to check road conditions before driving, or bus and train timetables, and to prepare for power cuts by gathering torches, batteries, mobile phone power packs and other essential items.
In its advice on staying safe during storms, the Met Office said: “Secure loose objects such as ladders, garden furniture or anything else that could be blown into windows and other glazing and break them
“Close and securely fasten doors and windows, particularly those on the windward side of the house, and especially large doors such as those on garages. Park vehicles in a garage, if available; otherwise keep them clear of buildings, trees, walls and fences.
“Close and secure loft trapdoors with bolts, particularly if roof pitch is less than 30°. If the house is fitted with storm shutters over the windows then ensure that these are closed and fastened. If chimney stacks are tall and in poor condition, move beds away from areas directly below them.”
Steven Walley, landscaper and gardening expert from London Stone, added: “Nature is extremely powerful and heavy wind and rain can cause severe damage to your garden through flying debris or flooding.
“To prevent as much harm as possible, it’s important to ensure we’re taking precautions to protect our homes in harsh weather conditions. Make sure all doors and windows are locked shut. If you know a storm or weather warning is set to take place in your region, start taking precautions.
“First, make sure that there are no obvious entry points by making sure all windows and doors are locked shut. This will help to prevent damage from heavy rain seeping in and will help to reduce pressure on windows from strong winds.”
Additionally, washing lines, gardening tools and outdoor furniture should be packed up and stored away to avoid them blowing over and causing damage in your garden or to the outside of your property.
The Met Office said in its yellow warning: “Strong west or southwesterly winds will arrive across coastal areas of southwest England and Wales during Sunday evening, then develop more widely inland during Monday morning.
“Gusts of 45-55 mph are expected widely inland, with gusts of 60-70 mph possible at times along exposed coasts and hills. Winds will only slowly ease from the west later in the afternoon and into Monday evening.”
The nine UK regions covered by the yellow warning include East Midlands, East of England, London and South East England, North East England, North West England, South West England, Wales, West Midlands, and Yorkshire and Humber.