The Met Office has issued a yellow weather warning for wind covering large parts of England and Wales, with gusts of 50-60mph expected widely and speeds of 70mph or more possible in coastal or exposed areas. The warning is in force from midnight until midday on Friday, according to the forecaster.
Warning details and affected regions
The alert covers large swathes of the south west of England, parts of Wales and a small section of the south east. The Met Office warned that a period of strong winds may lead to damaging gusts and transport disruption, with the possibility of power cuts affecting services such as mobile phone coverage.
Regions under the warning include London and South East England (Brighton and Hove, East Sussex, Hampshire, Isle of Wight, Portsmouth, Southampton, West Sussex), South West England (Bath and North East Somerset, Bournemouth Christchurch and Poole, Bristol, Cornwall, Devon, Dorset, Gloucestershire, Isles of Scilly, North Somerset, Plymouth, Somerset, South Gloucestershire, Torbay, Wiltshire), Wales (Blaenau Gwent, Bridgend, Caerphilly, Cardiff, Carmarthenshire, Ceredigion, Merthyr Tydfil, Monmouthshire, Neath Port Talbot, Newport, Pembrokeshire, Powys, Rhondda Cynon Taf, Swansea, Torfaen, Vale of Glamorgan) and the West Midlands (Herefordshire).
Forecast and impact
A Met Office spokesperson said: "Strong west to northwesterly winds may spread across southern parts of England and Wales on Friday. Gusts of 50-60 mph are possible and some coastal or exposed areas could see 70 mph or more, but at this time there is uncertainty in where the strongest winds will be."
The strong winds will be accompanied by periods of heavy rain, which will make travel more difficult. The gusts are forecast to ease during the late morning and into the early afternoon. The Met Office says this warning has a low likelihood of 10-25% and a significant impact.
Safety advice and precautions
The forecaster is warning that the period of strong winds may lead to damaging gusts and transport disruption. Tiles could be blown from roofs and flying debris could cause injuries. There is also a possibility that power cuts may occur, with the potential to affect other services, such as mobile phone coverage. To prepare, the agency advises gathering torches, batteries, a mobile phone power pack and other essential items.
Those affected by the weather warning are being urged to take precautions to protect their property and reduce the risk of injury. This includes checking for loose items outside their homes and making plans to secure them. Brits are also advised to check road conditions before driving, as well as bus and train timetables, to minimise disruption and amend their travel plans if necessary.
Those along the coast should be aware of large waves. People walking near cliffs should take care, ensure they know their route and keep dogs on a lead. In an emergency, call 999 and ask for the Coastguard.
