UK households are being urged to take steps to prepare for extreme weather on Friday and Saturday after the Met Office issued a mix of red, amber and yellow weather warnings for snow and wind due to Storm Eowyn.
The most serious red warning has been issued in Northern Ireland, while a yellow warning for snow has been issued in Scotland and all of England and Wales is under amber or yellow warnings for wind thanks to Storm Eowyn.
The Met Office says the extreme weather could cause power cuts as well as a ‘danger to life’, as well as travel issues, thanks to winds of up to 90mph and every single part of the UK will be subject to a weather warning for either wind or snow on Friday.
The Met Office has, along with its forecasts, issued advice to households on how to prepare and stay safe.
The Met Office said: “Windy weather can cause delays and make travel conditions dangerous. Follow these few simple steps to prepare before journeys.
“Check bus and train timetables, amending your travel plans if necessary. If driving, check road conditions and ensure you have essentials in your car (warm clothing, food, water, a blanket, a torch, an in-car phone charger).
“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.
“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.”
If you do experience a power cut, you shouldn’t call your energy supplier or call 999, the number to ring is 105.
The Met Office forecast for the UK on Friday says: “Storm Éowyn will move across the northwest of the UK on Friday, clearing to the northeast on Friday night. This will bring a spell of very strong west to southwesterly winds, with peak gusts of 60-70 mph fairly widely inland, 70-80 mph in some areas, and 80-90 mph along more exposed coasts and hills (perhaps even higher in a few locations).
“It should be noted that there may be a slight reduction in wind strength for a time as the centre of Storm Éowyn passes overhead, this most likely in parts of Northern Ireland and western Scotland, before winds rapidly increase again. Winds will gradually ease later on Friday.”
