As many as 26 cities in the UK could be hit with power cuts, the loss of mobile phone signal and travel disruption due to heavy wind storms on Monday and Tuesday, the Met Office has warned. The forecaster has issued a yellow weather warning covering a 24 hour period in the UK starting at 6am on Monday, August 4 and continuing until 6am on Tuesday, August 5, for extreme winds.
The warning covers every city in Scotland, as well as 12 cities in England and two in Wales. The yellow weather warning for wind is set to affect the north of England, as well as Scotland, north Wales and most of Northern Ireland. Cities under the yellow weather warning include Edinburgh, Manchester, Leeds, Bradford, York, Liverpool, Newcastle, Sunderland and Glasgow as well as Bangor in Wales and Londonderry/Derry and Belfast in Northern Ireland.
The Met Office said in its warning: “Storm Floris is likely to bring a spell of unseasonably strong and potentially disruptive winds to northern UK on Monday into early Tuesday.”
The Met Office says that the yellow weather warning could bring power cuts to the affected areas, as well as a danger to life and travel disruption.
It said to expect: “Some damage to buildings, such as tiles blown from roofs, could happen; Injuries and danger to life from flying debris are possible; Power cuts may occur, with the potential to affect other services, such as mobile phone coverage; Injuries and danger to life could occur from large waves and beach material being thrown onto sea fronts, coastal roads and properties; Some roads and bridges may close; Road, rail, air and ferry services may be affected, with longer journey times and cancellations possible.”
It added: “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.”
The Met Office added in its warning: “Storm Floris will bring a spell of unusually windy weather for the time of year across the northern half of the UK early next week.
“The strongest winds are most likely to occur across Scotland during Monday afternoon and night, although there remains some uncertainty in the depth and track of Floris. Across the warning area, many inland areas are likely to see westerly wind gusts of 40-50 mph with 60-70 mph possible along exposed coasts and high ground, especially Scotland.
“There is a chance of a spell of even stronger winds developing for a time, with inland gusts of 60-70 mph and 85 mph along exposed Scottish coastlines and hills.
“Winds will first ease in the west during later Monday but remaining very strong overnight until early Tuesday in the east. Heavy rain may also contribute to the disruption in places.
“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.”