With Storm Eunice rolling through the UK tomorrow (Friday 18th February), here’s how you can prepare for strong winds and storms
We’ve collected guidance from a number of UK online sources as to what actions you can take to prepare for strong winds and storms, where possible residents are advised to stay inside.
For the Stone area the Met Office have declared an Amber warning for wind, stating:
[box type=”info” align=”alignleft” class=”” width=””]Storm Eunice may cause significant disruption due to extremely strong winds on Friday.
What to expect
- There is a good chance that flying debris could result in a danger to life
- Damage to buildings and homes is likely, with roofs blown off and power lines brought down
- Roads, bridges and railway lines are likely to close, with delays and cancellations to the bus, train, ferry services and flights
- There is a good chance that power cuts, possibly prolonged, could occur, perhaps affecting other services, such as mobile phone coverage
- Large waves are likely and beach material is likely to be thrown onto sea fronts, coastal roads and properties, and flooding of some coastal properties seems likely.
- It is likely there will be falling branches and some uprooted trees
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In addition rail operator London Northwestern Railway (LNR) is warning passengers not to travel tomorrow (Fri 18 Feb) due to the impact of Storm Eunice.
“LNR will operate a significantly reduced timetable all day due to blanket speed restrictions which will be in place across the network.
To help customers make alternative plans, tickets pre-booked for travel tomorrow will be accepted today (Thursday) and on Saturday instead.
Lawrence Bowman, LNR customer experience director, said:
“Storm Eunice is expected to be one of the biggest storms in recent years and we expect significant disruption to train services.
“The message to our customers is clear – do not use the train on Friday. Customers with tickets for travel on Friday will be able to travel today and Saturday instead.”
The following timetable changes will apply on Friday:
- A significantly reduced service between Birmingham, Northampton and London Euston
- No service between Crewe and London Euston
- No service on the Marston Vale Line between Bedford and Bletchley
With high winds predicted to continue for several days, passengers planning to travel over the weekend are being reminded to check their journeys before setting out.”
Preparations to take before a storm
In order to limit the amount of damage that could be inflicted on your home and belongings the following precautionary actions should be taken:
- Where possible, place cars in garages or where they will be protected from flying debris, such as tiles or branches for example
- Secure items outside your home that could be blown away, such as patio furniture, bins, trampolines etc.
- Remove items from around your home that may be blown into windows/patio doors
- Ensure mobile phones are fully charged
- Keep pets indoors
- Shelter outdoor pets, or bring under cover in a protected location
- Check that nearby trees and/or tall structures are undamaged and in good repair and are not in danger of being blown over and damaging your home or placing people in danger
During and after a storm
- Keep an eye on the warnings and listen in to the local media for any further warnings or emergency information
- Do not go outside unless it is safe, or it is absolutely essential that you do so. If you must go outside watch out for flying debris and wear eye and head protection if possible
- Do not attempt to make any repairs until the storm is over.
- Do not drive unless you have to. If you have to drive, drive slowly and with great care, use your lights to make you more visible. DO NOT drive high sided vehicles and keep your distance from other vehicles.
- If power cables are brought down by high winds STAY AWAY from them. Do not touch any item that may be touching power lines. HIGH VOLTAGES KILL. Report downed or damaged power lines to your electricity provider
Do not attempt to remove any downed trees, fallen trees can be reported to Staffordshire County Council via their website – report a fallen tree
